Nevadans are adding cannabis to their pandemic stockpiles of eggs and milk, driving sharp sales increases at dispensaries as self-isolation measures take hold. Dispensaries remain open but shift to delivery and remote orders to enforce social distancing and curb crowds. This surge reflects consumer fears of shortages in a newly essential product for many medical users.
Sales Surge Mirrors Holiday Peaks
Cannabis sales in Nevada have jumped 25 percent at some outlets like Sol Cannabis in Washoe Valley, where owner Ed Alexander now pushes deliveries over in-person visits. Nationally, BDS Analytics CEO Roy Bingham reports a 10 percent rise in purchase volume and 20 percent increase in product amounts, comparable to the April 20 marijuana holiday. Consumers favor raw flower over edibles or concentrates, signaling medical patients preparing for extended quarantines.
Supply Fears Fuel Bulk Buying
Industry analyst Matt Karnes of GreenWave Advisors attributes the rush to supply chain vulnerabilities, much like panic buying of groceries. Dispensaries such as Mynt in Reno see customers doubling up within the state's one-ounce limit, stocking edibles, vapes, and flower while shelves stay full. Officials ban lines, waiting rooms, and curbside pickup, prompting a delivery boom after widespread business closures.
Regulatory Adaptations Sustain Access
The Nevada Department of Taxation expedites delivery vehicle approvals via 360-degree video inspections to handle rising demand, maintaining oversight in an industry prone to contamination issues. Medical patients, often immunocompromised and using cannabis for pain relief, receive phone or online consultations only. Staff wear gloves, sanitize surfaces between customers, and limit facility entry, though cash and ID checks persist during deliveries.
Balancing Demand and Health Risks
Nevada joins states like New York, Illinois, and Oregon in keeping dispensaries open, prioritizing medical access despite San Francisco's brief closure scare. Colorado outlets face closures over cash-only challenges and distancing hurdles. Experts worry short-term spikes may fade if lockdowns restrict outings, potentially slowing recreational traffic while underscoring cannabis's role in health management during crises.
