During the coronavirus pandemic, American residents and government officials have had to make important decisions on what services are deemed essential. For policymakers, they have had to weigh the pros and cons of keeping various industry sectors open and how some businesses could adapt to keep consumers, workers, and patients as safe as possible. Individuals have had to decide which food and supply trips are necessary, and what items can be skipped. Thankfully, Oregon decided that cannabis dispensaries are essential businesses that should stay open and a majority of Americans polled by YouGov agree, as reported by Marijuana Moment:

A majority of Americans believe that medical cannabis dispensaries should be kept open as “essential services” amid the coronavirus pandemic, according to a new poll. The survey asked simply: “Do you believe medical marijuana dispensaries should or should not be considered essential services?” Fifty-three percent said the cannabis providers should be regarded as essential, 26 percent said they shouldn’t and 21 percent said they didn’t know.

Do you believe medical marijuana dispensaries should or should not be considered essential services? Vote now in our Daily Agenda poll and let us know your thoughts: https://t.co/VSgSfHcGq4 #COVID19 pic.twitter.com/M5sopsSUim — YouGovUS (@YouGovUS) March 24, 2020

YouGov polled over 5,000 American adults, a rather large sample of people. It is rather remarkable how cannabis was illegal throughout the nation until California passed its landmark medical law in 1996 and now, during a global pandemic in 2020, dispensaries are considered essential businesses in legal states. It is great that the truth about cannabis has been winning hearts and minds across the nation, we must remain vigilant as Reefer Madness prohibitionists are lobbying government bodies to reverse the decision. The cannabis community just needs to keep sharing the truth about cannabis and remind our elected officials to follow the will of the people.

Kind Leaf has led the way on implementing sensible policies to keep its workers, customers, patients, and the community as safe as possible, even putting into place safe physical distancing policies before they were mandated. Eastern Oregon’s premier craft cannabis boutique has built upon its pioneering safety precautions, recently hiring Metcalf Painting and Contracting, a local contractor, to install “sneeze guards” to help protect everyone in the store. Cannabis is medicine and essential, a sincere thanks to the Kind Leaf crew, and everyone working to protect the health and safety of our people.

Kind Leaf’s message to its customers and patients:

KIND LEAF is an essential business and open. We have implemented several measures to help keep our staff and the public safe during the pandemic.

PICK-UP and DELIVERY only – pick up orders can be placed on Leafly between the hours of 9am – 8pm. Pick-up/curb side/delivery begins at 10am. Deliveries cannot be made after 6pm, pick-up orders can be picked up until 8pm.

Only one customer in the lobby at a time. If someone is waiting to pick up their order please wait outside the front door until the receptionist is ready. Hand sanitizer is available inside the front door.