Which states consider dispensaries essential amid COVID-19?

(Editor’s note: Please understand this is unofficial information as related to current states rules. The status of these states rules are changing rapidly and will likely change soon after publishing.)

In wake of the COVID-19 outbreak, many states in America have enacted mandatory lock-downs forcing non-essential businesses to cease operations. The federal government has provided guidance on the quarantine needs and left the specific rules and requirements to the local municipalities. This has led to varied rules on quarantine specifics by city or state for which businesses are considered as “non-essential” putting dispensaries right in the cross-hairs. Several states consider dispensaries as essential business while others have not. 

Here is a list to help determine which states are considering recreational or medical.

States considering dispensaries as essential businesses

• California 
• Pennsylvania 
• Colorado
• Washington
• Oregon
• Michigan
• Illinois

States that are considering medical only dispensaries as essential businesses

• New Mexico
• Oklahoma
• Louisiana
• Minnesota
• Ohio
• New York
• Vermont
• Massachusetts
• Connecticut
• Delaware
• New Jersey
• Hawaii

‍

Sources:

https://mjbizdaily.com/states-that-have-allowed-marijuana-businesses-to-remain-open-during-coronavirus-pandemic/

https://www.nytimes.com/article/coronavirus-weed-marijuana.html