What Cannabis Dispensaries Can Expect Throughout 2020

Three large jars of cannabis are shown. Photo by Add Weed on Unsplash.

Cannabis: What Dispensaries Can Expect For Operations Throughout 2020

Dispensaries are considered “essential business” during this crisis and many current preventative actions are projected to continue long-term.

Several characteristics make the cannabis industry unique and those nuances will be where the most change continues to be seen.

Cash and Payment

Due to federal and credit card company restrictions, dispensaries handle cash much more than other retail businesses. It may be possible to become infected with COVID-19 from touching contaminated surfaces — such as money — followed by touching one’s face. Additionally, due to paper bills and coins retaining germs on their surfaces, employees who handle transactions should continue to wash their hands often — even when using gloves. On-site ATMs should also be disinfected as frequently as other shared surfaces.

The use of trays and bags to transfer money from customer to employee is currently being seen throughout California. This clever method of payment limits physical contact and is forecasted to be a new normal. Makeshift devices to perform transactions while keeping 6 ft. away from others are also being created by store employees. Sturdier, longer-lasting solutions — with similar functionality — are likely to be professionally manufactured in the future.

Social Distancing

Expect occupancy limits — for both customers and employees — to continue at physical locations. Both parties will need to be at the required 6 ft. distance away from others at all times. Businesses should continue to take this into consideration when:

- Employees repackage loose flower for sale

- Managers receive inventory from outside vendors

- Restocking inventory

- Payments & transactions

- Budtender interactions with customers

- Interacting in designated areas for curbside pick-up

Investments in Digital Platforms

Scheduled pick-ups is a popular tactic currently used by many industries during the pandemic. Business owners should expect this to continue. Investing in website enhancements for making appointments are highly suggested. Scheduled pickups have many benefits, such as:

- Tackling the same amount of business — if not more — of a line of waiting customers

- Minimizing the length of lines for patrons who wish to enter the store

- Helps expedite longer wait times for customers waiting outside

- Condenses in-person interaction to payment only

Similarly, if those waiting in line wish to get a head-start on purchasing, conversing with budtenders via online video communication (while waiting outside the store) is also expected to rise in popularity. Investing in the purchase of tablets, apps, and other electronics will be on the rise.

Deliveries

Delivery service has been a critical operation amongst businesses during this pandemic. Luckily, the cannabis industry is well-versed with home delivery and already has this functionality in place. Delivery is especially critical during this time as it helps keep infectious droplets outside of stores.

Drivers are expected to continue “contactless” service, as well as wearing face coverings and gloves when dropping off purchases.

If online pre-payment is not available, the customer should leave payment on a nearby surface, step back 6 feet, then have the employees move forward to complete the transaction. Similarly, drivers should move back 6 ft. from the customer when they confirm receipt of a customer’s purchases.

Drivers should continue to disinfect frequently-touched surfaces within their company vehicle on a regular basis. This includes:

- steering wheel

- gearshift

- signaling levers

- door handles

- seatbelt buckles

We hope these emerging details help you effectively prepare for the next phase in these unprecedented times. If any of our policyholders have questions on this, or any other safety-related topic, feel free to contact us at [email protected]. We look forward to being in touch.

SOURCES:

https://www.greenbits.com/blog/standard-operating-procedures-sops-for-dispensaries/

https://www.leafly.com/news/health/covid-19-marijuana-sales-rules

https://www.washingtonpost.com/business/2020/04/14/california-weed-industry-coronavirus/

https://www.creditcards.com/credit-card-news/marijuana-dispensaries-pay-with-credit-cards.php

https://www.atmmarketplace.com/news/national-atm-council-releases-covid-19-safety-guidelines/

https://www.bankrate.com/banking/savings/coronavirus-cash-concerns-virus-spread/

https://www.ktvu.com/news/bay-area-cannabis-dispensary-designs-virtual-budtender-amid-pandemic

Products and services are provided by one or more insurance company subsidiaries of W. R. Berkley Corporation. Not all products and services are available in every jurisdiction, and the precise coverage afforded by any insurer is subject to the actual terms and conditions of the policies as issued.

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