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In normal times, some beer and weed can be a bit of fun, an escape, or more seriously, for gauze over the real problems in one’s life. Now, in the pandemic era, we’re cut off from physical contact from our friends and family and the spectre of the virus hangs over every bit of news and conversation. Of course you’d want a drink.

The CBC reached out to liquor stores across the country, and while not all gave exact numbers for March, all revealed a large increase in the sales of alcohol. Quebec likened it to the Christmas sales rush, while B.C. “saw over-the-counter sales jump by 40 per cent in March compared with February, with bulk sizes of liquor, beer and wine up more than 120 per cent.”

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Similarly, in mid-March, the Ontario Cannabis Store saw an 80 to 100 per cent increase in sales.

For those that are tempted, those that are dependent, or those that are struggling with addiction, however, this presents a real and immediate issue. When you’re cut off from the supports and routine that had been helping you back to recovery, what do you do?