Medical marijuana dispensaries don’t see a pandemic slowdown

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While some companies are struggling to make a comeback after the pandemic slowdown, feeling the pain of economic fallout, others have succeeded in resuming business as usual or even continuing to work without major differences.

Medical marijuana dispensaries are deemed essential businesses in the vast majority of states, so they are treated like pharmacies; they won’t close even if COVID-19 containment measures will increase.

Business is booming, especially in Oklahoma, which accommodates one of the biggest medical marijuana markets in the south-central region of the United States. Even if the coronavirus has been devastating to businesses across America, these dispensaries and their employees are completely safe. 

medical marijuani dispensaries are booming during the pandemic
medical marijuana dispensaries are booming during the pandemic. Picture: Pexels

The surge in demand for medical marijuana amid the global pandemic 

More people are using marijuana medically, mostly seeking relief from chronic pain, nausea, vomiting (largely attributed to chemical therapy) and to ease the muscle spasms of multiple sclerosis.

Many stop using opioid painkillers and other types of medications because marijuana works better for them.

These people have evidence-based conditions, and their symptoms are likely to be exacerbated by the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, like social isolation, unemployment, restricted access to healthcare, and uncertainty about the future.

As of 2018, medical marijuana is legal in 34 states. No matter what type of medicinal marijuana you need, it’s necessary to have a card to make purchases at a dispensary. 

The rise in medical marijuana patients goes to show that there are considerable interests. Medical marijuana dispensaries are making tremendous efforts to guarantee safety during uncertain times.

More exactly, they’ve implemented new measures to accommodate safe shopping; for instance, employees and customers are required to stand at least 3 feet away from one another. What is more, there is a limit to the number of customers, who are encouraged to spend less time in-store. 

Patients should bring their medical marijuana cards when making purchases

A medical marijuana card is a state-issued certification card that makes it possible for a patient to get marijuana for medical use, with a doctor’s recommendation.

Examples of medical conditions that qualify an individual for a medical marijuana card include but aren’t limited to arthritis, cancer, chronic pain, epilepsy, inflammatory bowel disease, PTSD, seizures, and ulcerative colitis. Attention needs to be paid to the fact that this isn’t an exhaustive list.

To obtain an Oklahoma medical marijuana card, it’s necessary to have a doctor’s recommendation, proof of residency, and identity proof. Interestingly, Oklahoma recognizes other state’s medical marijuana certificates and ID cards. Nonetheless, visiting patients are required to fill out a Temporary Patient Application Information form. 

People are currently applying for medical marijuana cards online, so commissions have been forced to revise some of the rules and allow healthcare professionals to certify new patients via telemedicine.

Appointments are now conducted over the phone. Owing to electronic communications and software, doctors can provide clinical services to patients without making an in-person visit. A medical marijuana card doesn’t give people the right to use marijuana in their rental homes if that’s prohibited by lease.

Additionally, it doesn’t prevent employers from letting someone go if the test results are positive, although some states propose legislation to address this issue.  

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