Cannabis sales are touching new highs as customers across the United States and Canada stockpile weed to prepare for long spells of isolation because of the coronavirus pandemic, reports Reuters.*

Between March 16 and March 22, sales of recreational cannabis across key U.S. markets, including California, Colorado, Oregon and Alaska, were up 50% and medical marijuana sales rose 41% from the same period last year, figures obtained from cannabis point of sale and data platform Flowhub show.*

Several U.S. states and Canadian provinces have taken steps to curb the fast-spreading coronavirus by issuing stay at home orders, restricting business operations, or closing down borders as death toll in both countries approaches 600.*

While many businesses have been ordered shut, cannabis stores have been listed as essential services and allowed to remain open.*

In Ontario, Canada’s most populous province, online sales on the government-run Ontario Cannabis Store’s (OCS) website have soared over the last two weeks, OCS director of communications Daffyd Roderick, said. For example, last weekend’s orders were more than twice as high as only two weeks ago.*

In Nova Scotia, which on Sunday became the latest province to declare coronavirus emergency, cannabis sales spiked 76% last week, according to the province’s liquor commission, which controls sales of cannabis there.*

Fears of months of supply disruptions were boosting Canadian sales, Stuart Titus, CEO of California-based Medical Marijuana Inc (MJNA.PK) told Reuters.*

“We have seen stockpiling in Canada by consumers who have snapped up products from LPs (licensed producers).”*

The surge in demand may offer pot producers a welcome respite after investors sold off cannabis stocks throughout much of last year as profits in the sector remained elusive.*

Jamie Pearson, CEO of California-based Bhang Inc BHNG.CD, which makes cannabis-infused beverages, chocolates and other products, said sales were booming and should boost revenue and profits this quarter.*

Pearson said edibles such as gummies, brownies, and chocolates, were most popular, probably because they were easier to store and eat, even with gloves on.*

Still, Titus and others recommended caution, saying the long-awaited reversal of fortune could prove not much more than a short-lived relief.*

“The cannabis industry is showing itself to be recession-proof but at times like this, it’s important to understand that the spike in consumer demand is probably not going to last long,” Avis Bulbulyan, CEO of cannabis consulting firm Siva Enterprises, said.*

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Millions of California’s Bay area residents can still legally light up as cannabis facilities are exempt from a cornonavirus lockdown that has shuttered most businesses in San Francisco and nearby cities, reports Reuters*.

Cannabis store managers say they have lines longer than local grocery shops and waiting room only. Most staff at a dozen stores reached Tuesday evening said they were too busy to talk to Reuters. *

“Oh man, we’re flooded. As soon as people heard we were still open, they started lining up,” said Anthony Barajas, the general manager of Cana Culture in San Jose. *

“Once all the toilet paper got sold out, they knew they needed some relief,” he said. *

Bars, clubs, gyms and other businesses all closed Monday under one of the strictest orders made so far in the United States aimed at stemming the coronavirus pandemic. Around 7 million people reside in the area affected by the orders. *

Cannabis stores and vendors join the short list of “essential” places that can stay open along with grocery stores, pharmacies and doctors offices, the San Jose Mercury News and other media reported, citing the state’s Bureau of Cannabis Control and local officials. *

California has more than 500 confirmed cases of coronavirus and at least 12 people have died. *

Cana Culture is following strict rules, such as no more than 10 people in the facility at a time, either shopping or relaxing in a smoking area. Outside, the store’s security officers enforce a store rule that everyone has to stand about an arm’s length away from each other. *

“We’re a necessary service,” said Barajas. “People need this for medical purposes and recreation. The public still needs access to lab-tested medicine.” *

“It’s been steady from the time we open right up until we close, with people still waiting outside,” Barajas said. “And we’re still allowed to do curb-side service.” *

He added: “I guess the state still needs some tax revenue while everything else is closed.” *

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