The COVID-19 pandemic is wreaking havoc across the entire world. Governments and authorities are shutting down all businesses and public places in an attempt to reduce the spread of the deadly coronavirus. San Francisco has also been affected by the spread of this disease.
After the closure of all marijuana dispensaries and delivery services in the whole of San Francisco based in the regionwide shelter-in-place order that started on March 17. But, the city authorities, later on, announced that businesses could reopen. Mayor London Breed highlighted this issue during a news conference at City Hall later in the day:
“The Department of Public Health today clarified that since marijuana has medical uses, dispensaries will be allowed to operate as essential businesses just as pharmacies are allowed to do.”
The health department at first ordered delivery services and dispensaries to close on March 16 at night. Under that three-week stay-at-home order, pharmacies and grocery stores, and several other businesses, were all listed as essential businesses that can reopen. However, the order never identified cannabis dispensaries.
The advocates with Cal NORML, a San Francisco-based cannabis advocacy organization, championed for the reopening of the dispensaries on March 17. They said that many ill patients needed access to medication. While responding to the reopening on Twitter, Supervisor Matt Haney said:
“SFDPH has reversed its position.”
Previously, Haney had voiced support for the reopening of cannabis businesses. He said:
“We know cannabis has medicinal value for so many people and should remain open. They’ll be open for delivery and pick up.”
