It’s true—cannabis sales in Canada are booming as consumers prepare for long weeks at home and away from crowds. Yet, despite hordes of panic shoppers and abnormally high demand, for some, safe access is once again a challenge for cannabis consumers. In Canada, the post will no longer deliver cannabis to your home. Some cannabis retailers are temporarily closing their doors. So, how do you get your herb and stay safe at the same time? We’ve got some ideas. 

The best way to maintain distance when picking up your favorite strain? Use a pickup service. A pickup service, like Herb Pickup in Canada, allows you to order online and then pay and pick up at your favorite shop. Instead of waiting in line, you can remain in your car until your order is ready. Then, you can skip the crowds and minimize the time you spend waiting for customer service.

Pickup services couldn’t come at a better time. Across Canada and the United States, cannabis sales are soaring amidst COVID-19. Last week, retail stores in Montreal saw lines around the block. In Colorado, dispensaries in the city of Denver more than doubled their usual sales in one day. Others saw spikes of up to 40 to 60 percent of usual sales. And the pressure was on; the State of Colorado issued an emergency order to close all non-essential businesses on the same day. 

But, here’s the catch: crowds and long lines are the very things that individuals should avoid during a pandemic. 

Health authorities in the U.S. and Canada both encourage social distancing, requesting that people stay at least six feet away from others when in public spaces. To better comply with health recommendations, using online ordering and pickup services are essential. If you’re wondering if your favorite shop offers pickup, check out their website or give them a call. 

Or, try Herb Pickup for free for the next month. (If you’re in the United States., we’re sorry! Herb Pickup is coming to your area soon!)

If you happen to live in one of the lucky areas that allow cannabis delivery, now is the time to give them a try. In the  U.S., Governor Whitmer issued an emergency order that allows recreational dispensaries to deliver cannabis to your door. Similarly, the city of Boulder, Colorado and the state of Pennsylvania opened up delivery services for medical cannabis patients. In Canada, the post will no longer deliver signature-required products to your door, but medical cannabis producers can still ship cannabis products to you via private delivery services.  

If smoking is usually your jam, it may be time to try something new. Research suggests that cigarette smokers have a higher risk of complications if they contract COVID0-19. This fact isn’t surprising, considering that coronaviruses like COVID-19 are among the most frequent culprits of respiratory infection. 

There’s no research that suggests that smoking cannabis alone may worsen the severity of the virus, but the herb can cause symptoms of chronic bronchitis, coughing, and chest pain in chronic consumers. So, for the sake of good lung health during this pandemic, it may be smart to pick up some edibles or indulge in an infused-beverage or two.

Right now, there is no consensus on whether or not vaporization is recommended during COVID. Overall, it is considered the healthiest way to inhale cannabis. However, vaporization is not recommended if you’re experiencing respiratory symptoms like coughing and chest pain.

Whether you’re hoping to relieve stress or fight the boredom, it’s tempting to buy the maximum amount of cannabis you’re legally allowed. But, there’s no reason to buy black market or save up for the apocalypse. Instead, follow the guidance of health officials and have enough essentials around to get you through two weeks of social distancing and possible illness. 

Medical cannabis patients should defer to their local health authorities, who may recommend purchasing a one to three month supply of medical cannabis. Medical cannabis patients, who have pre-existing conditions, may be more at risk of severe illness from COVID than others. So, these individuals may want to purchase the maximum amount, if possible. 

For the most part, there’s no reason to panic.  Most cannabis dispensaries in Canada and the U.S. remain open. In fact, many regions have labeled them as “essential businesses” during this time of crisis. 

As of right now, most cannabis dispensaries in Canada are open, with the exception of those in Newfoundland and Labrador, which closed on March 19th. Retail stores in Manitoba are open for delivery and online orders only. In the United States, retailers are open with the exception of Michigan and New Mexcio. In Michigan, stores are required to do delivery and curbside pickup only. In New Mexico, consumers can order cannabis via delivery services.

Our simple advice? Get your goods and go.