As the world continues to grapple with the ongoing changes brought by the COVID-19 pandemic, it cannot be denied that the gravity and extent of the virus have virtually changed the lives of everyone around the globe. Among the most hit industries are those of the retail sector, including, of course, dispensaries and shops, forcing them to either adapt or change their course of action to keep up with the events that have occurred in recent times.
With an increasing number of fatalities and cases happening every single day, it appears that the lasting effects of the virus pandemic are here to stay. Besides the devastating loss of life, this outbreak has shown the cracks in the system and the ability, or rather inability, of government officials to create an effective way of flattening the curve. More than the businesses in the marijuana field, there are medical marijuana patients and recreational users can feel the upsetting effects of the virus outbreak, alongside the workers and employees of this industry.
In the marijuana industry alone, numerous DC weed events have been canceled or rescheduled in light of the pandemic. Lockdown and even stay-at-home measures have been taken by respective governments, including Washington, D.C., as well as the neighboring states of Maryland and Virginia. In the capital, Mayor Muriel Bowser announced that D.C. will be extending the lockdown to June 8, 2020, as cases ramp up.
As difficult as it may be to imagine, the pandemic has actually created new ways for marijuana businesses to survive and that is through weed delivery service in DC, In fact, there are many dispensaries who continually find ways not just to cater to their patrons, but also to help keep the industry alive and their people paid and working. With marijuana being a key industry in the United States, particularly in the capital, Washington, D.C., it’s no surprise that the sector remains resilient amidst these trying times.
Current Marijuana Laws in Washington, D.C.
Though the pandemic is hard on everyone, it can be particularly challenging for consumers to get their regular stash without delivery services. Thankfully, though, the capital considers individuals over the age of 21 to obtain and possess two ounces or less of marijuana. Moreover, individuals of legal age are also permitted to use marijuana in the privacy of their own homes as well as growing marijuana plants within their residence.
All of the above-mentioned rules are permitted under Initiative 71, which has been enacted into law since 12:01 on the morning of February 26, 2015.
Besides the aforementioned rules and regulations, Initiative 71 also makes it possible for individuals at least 21 years old to transfer an ounce or less of marijuana to a person who is the same age or older, provided that the cannabis in question has not been paid for.
Likewise, the District of Columbia also recognizes that possession of cannabis-related accessories as legal. These include paraphernalia such as cigarette rolling papers, cigar wrappers, as well as bongs, and the like.
While the capital has been somewhat lenient and accepting of the marijuana industry, there are still certain regulations in place – and which may lead to potential arrests and penalties if violated. These include selling marijuana to individuals, possessing more than two ounces of cannabis, operating vehicles under the influence, and the consumption of the drug in a public place.
DC Weed Events That Have Been Cancelled or Postponed
The coming of the pandemic posed numerous problems, especially with large gatherings and events. In cannabis culture, it was normal for like-minded people not only to share joints and bongs but also to take part in a whole new different and intimate experience. They often mingled with one another and joined numerous events in the industry, spanning music, festivals, bazaars, conventions, and many more.
Now that the virus outbreak continues to persist, gatherings and events in the District of Columbia have gone into a sort of limbo. Many events have been canceled, especially in the last month where the perennial 4/20 was supposed to be celebrated, and understandably so as gatherings and other similar events have been touted by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) as a breeding ground for the virus.
Below are the DC weed events that have been canceled or postponed in light of the pandemic:
· National Cannabis Unity Conference – March 25 to 28, 2020
While not technically canceled, the National Cannabis Unity Event was instead transferred to a virtual arena last March 27, 2020. This event is considered as the largest conference of both patients and medical professionals alike, alongside other experts in the field such as scientists and researchers. The event was reportedly moved to an online platform with the safety of everyone in mind.
Although the conference pushed through a virtual conference, it still featured panel discussions, engaging speakers, and great dialogues between the experts and speakers.
· 2020 National Cannabis Policy Summit – April 17, 2020
Heralded as one of the premier gatherings that seek to discuss the current cannabis policies and regulations, the National Cannabis Policy Summit was further postponed to September 10, 2020. Its event was supposed to be held at the Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center on April 17, 2020.
Among the key topics that will be discussed in this event are the cannabis legalization and immigration reform, as well as the current cannabis climate today. Moreover, it also seeks to tackle the role of authorities and respective agencies with the legalization of the drug. The summit will bring together a team of experts from a variety of sectors, including government leaders, business entrepreneurs, healthcare workers and professionals, civil rights organizations, and more.
· National Cannabis Festival – April 18, 2020
Supposedly the fifth annual National Cannabis Festival on April 18, 2020, this celebration was relegated to a later date – September 19, 2020. This event seeks to celebrate the end of marijuana prohibition together with like-minded individuals over a day of fun and excitement.
The festival highlights performers such as Method Man & Redman for its concert together with Young M.A. Apart from music, the event will also feature a host of food choices and other concessionaires. The event will be held at the RFK Festival Grounds.
· All April 2020 Cannabis Events
With the stay-at-home orders and lockdown in place, marijuana events in April 2020 have either been canceled or postponed. These include The Future of Cannabis-Infused Drinks and Dining at the DC Brau Brewery, The Drug Policy Trivia Happy Hour at Capital Lounge, Sex, Cannabis & Sensuality talk, and The Cannabis Salon at the Denizens Brewing Co. All of these have taken a backseat for now.
In light of these unfortunate happenings, your best bet is to have your weed delivered straight to the comforts of your own home.
Existing Weed Delivery DC Laws/Rules
While marijuana is not technically allowed to be sold or bought by itself, it can be given as a gift of sorts along with other products sold by the company or dispensary. The great news is that even though you cannot technically buy these, you can purchase other items, and marijuana will be given to you as a gift by the company or dispensary of choice.
These days, dispensaries and other marijuana delivery services are deemed much more essential, especially with individuals ordered to stay at home and prevent the possible spread of the disease. As a matter of fact, they are regarded as essential businesses that cater to the health and welfare of the public.
Thankfully, registered medical marijuana patients are free to avail of delivery services or even curbside pick up options. There are also dispensaries and companies who may do a meetup while still observing social distancing protocols like Ghouse.
Health and Safety Tips When Getting Weed Delivery DC
· No Contact Delivery
Ideally, and under the guidelines released by the Centers for Disease Control and even the World Health Organization, you should have no contact with other people, and distance must be kept by at least six feet away from other people.
To observe no contact delivery guidelines, ask your dispensary and their delivery personnel to place the bag of items either on your doorstep or your front porch. Alternatively, if you’ll be paying with cash, you would do well to leave your payment on the ground or on a piece of chair or furniture and supervise it from afar. You can also opt to call in your orders and do a curbside pickup, rather than going in a dispensary yourself.
· Use Online Payment Tools
While cash may be king inside your home, this is not necessarily the case for others who are trying to minimize the spread of the virus. After all, money, especially bills and coins, can contain germs and other harmful bacteria.
If you are committed to getting your goods, why not use online payment methods today? Thanks to technology, you can now pay via your credit card, debit card, and even your PayPal account. Doing so allows you to reduce contact not only with dirty cash but also with other people.
· Sanitize Your Goods
While dispensaries and cannabis companies are generally hygienic when it comes to handling your goods, you can never be too careful. Sanitize your goods with a disinfectant solution and only focus on the outer packaging to prevent damaging your items. This way, you can ensure that the items you’re bringing inside your home are safe and clean at all times.
Conclusion
The number of canceled DC weed events is downright disheartening, especially with the regulations in place. However, with the aid of reliable and established weed delivery DC services, you certainly can celebrate safely in the confines on your home.