The COVID-19 virus has affected every industry on the planet. Reports from across the US indicate both sales bumps and slumps, mainly depending on the degree of infection in a particular area.
At least thus far in the pandemic, there have been no significant shortages of raw cannabis products. This is due primarily to local sources being the main supply of these products. At least for now, there are more options from i49.
Unaffected, at Least for Now
For most people, cannabis products aren’t a priority when preparing for any quarantine measures, or at least as much as toilet paper and hand sanitizer. For others, however, it’s a different story.
At the beginning of the pandemic, the CDC recommended that people stock up on any medications with at least a month’s supply on hand. This includes cannabis for many people.
Recent sales reports show that sales of cannabis products, including CBD, are up, with dispensaries failing to show any major problems with supplies or business. Many dispensaries report an increase in business despite the threat that supplies might be cut off or at least curtailed.
China Business Down
China is the biggest producer of vape pens and e-cigs. For that reason, and the impact that the COVID virus has had on that country, manufacturers will probably continue to cause shortages of these products for many more months to come.
Another problem issuing from both China and India that impacts the CBD industry is the growing inability of firms to receive products because of slowdowns or stoppages in the production of packaging from those countries.
Unfortunately, the highest degree of the impact packaging manufacturing is likely to have on the cannabis industry is unknown. Producers are indicating that they are in the process of developing new relationships with firms that will be able to package cannabis goods beginning in the near future, but this is likely to affect dried herbs only. If the pandemic continues, it is likely, said experts, that products such as capsules, tinctures, and others that rely heavily on specific packaging types might be unavailable for many months to come.
Final Thoughts About Cannabis and COVID-19
Most experts agree that the cannabis industry is not likely to be affected by the COVID-19 virus much more than it already is. However, this is not saying a lot because there is still much to be determined as far as the outcome and duration of the crisis.
Much of this comes down to that CBD and cannabis products have a lot of medical value. For this reason, there is a good chance that producers will find their way around many of the handicaps in distribution as long as production avenues stay open. There is little that these issues can do to stop the spread of the infection, and, when you consider people sharing joints with a friend, it might even make things worse.
Anyone who is using CBD or other cannabis-based products should consider the possibility of switching to another form of the product, such as smokeable, edible, or topical form instead.
Even as the COVID-19 pandemic continues and infections among people grow at exponential rates, it’s important to remain informed about the situation and how those who use cannabis products can still get their supply. Listen to official sources such as the CDC, WHO, and other medical sources.
Stay calm and follow instructions on preventing transmissions such as hand washing and social distancing, masks, and avoiding public events. But most important of all, be patient. This will no doubt be over soon enough.
