A lot of businesses have been hurt by the coronavirus pandemic that’s swept across the country. Closures ranging from restaurants and movie theaters to gyms and stadiums have all resulted in business downturn and profit losses.
But there’s one business that has actually grown during the lockdown period. The medical marijuana (MMJ) market in some places in the US has actually expanded considerably. In Florida, for example, the government has been able to fully support the MMJ market by still allowing patients to apply for MMJ cards and keeping MMJ dispensaries up and running.
Here are seven reasons why the MMJ market in Florida is booming during coronavirus.
1. People are spending more time at home
Most states in the US have experienced at least some kind of stay-at-home order or forced quarantine. Millions of people found themselves out of work – either by losing their jobs or being furloughed. That means that the amount of home/leisure time many people have has increased significantly.
More time at home means individuals can use their MMJ products more frequently, particularly if they aren’t going to work. There’s just more time and freedom to use MMJ products while stuck at home.
2. MMJ dispensaries have stayed open
Unlike a lot of other businesses that shut down during lockdown, dispensaries have been deemed “essential businesses”.
This means that being able to buy MMJ in Florida is considered a necessity, and that patients have been able to get access to their MMJ products despite the other local closures.
Image by Add Weed on Unsplash: MMJ patients still have access to cannabis products in Florida during the pandemic.
3. Dispensaries are delivering
Because MMJ dispensaries have remained open, many locations have offered delivery options or curbside pickup for their customers.
These special services mean that people who rely on their MMJ products for health reasons don’t have to worry about not being able to get what they need during the pandemic.
4. Stimulus checks might make MMJ more affordable
More and more Americans have seen their stimulus checks arriving, which means they might have a little more money to spend on the MMJ products that are essential for their health.
Having a little more income might help with MMJ patients who were worried about going without their cannabis during this stressful time.
5. There’s more anxiety during the pandemic
Most Americans have been experiencing an increase in anxiety because of the uncertain nature of COVID-19 and its effects.
Folks who have MMJ cards are potentially spending more money on MMJ products that can help alleviate symptoms of anxiety and make them feel a little calmer.
6. People are relying more on MMJ for treatments
While it’s still difficult for some people to make it to in-person offices for medical treatment, they can turn to MMJ products instead to treat their symptoms. For example, if a patient typically ventures out to an acupuncturist for help with their chronic pain, they might have needed to stop those appointments while everyone has been on lockdown.
However, they can count on using MMJ products to still treat their pain until they can resume acupuncture sessions in the future. Having MMJ products on hand can mean a reduction in symptoms.
7. There have been studies suggesting that cannabis might treat coronavirus
While the connection between cannabis and coronavirus is still fairly new and uncertain, there has been a study that suggested marijuana might be able to prevent or help treat COVID-19.
Hearing these stories on the news means that people might be purchasing more MMJ products in the hope that they might help with the virus as well.
Image by Pille-Riin Priske on Unsplash: The MMJ market in Florida is thriving during the coronavirus.
How to get MMJ in Florida
Apply for an MMJ card in Florida by going to the state’s website or through the MMJRecs site. A physician will need to determine that you meet the eligibility requirements: that is, being a permanent resident of the state of Florida and having a qualifying medical condition.
Qualifying conditions can include (but are not limited to):
- ALS
- Cancer
- Crohn’s disease
- Epilepsy
- Glaucoma
- HIV/AIDS
- Multiple Sclerosis
- Parkinson’s disease
- Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
Additional diagnoses such as anxiety, depression, and migraines might also qualify you for an MMJ card.
After it’s been determined that you have a medical condition that qualifies, the physician will forward their recommendation to the Florida Department of Health. You’ll be required to pay a state-required fee of $75 online and complete an application. You’ll then be approved within 7–21 business days and can purchase your MMJ products right away.
Take advantage of the booming MMJ market in Florida by getting your MMJ card now!
Featured image by Jorge Vasconez on Unsplash