States popular for cannabis tourism like Nevada and California saw sales dip below average daily sales in late March after the stockpiling trend.

Right after social distancing protocols and shelter-in-place orders were mandated in cities like San Francisco and Seattle, consumers exhibited panic-buying behaviour by stockpiling necessary goods. Not only did cities count cannabis as “essential” during the coronavirus outbreak, consumers stocked up on it like it was toilet paper; sales almost doubled in some recreational markets, with figures comparable to those seen on 4/20.

According to new data from Headset Analytics, that sales bump has disappeared as of late. States popular for marijuana tourism like Nevada and California saw sales dip below average daily sales in late March following the stockpiling trend. Washington and Colorado still exhibited slightly above average sales, though not anywhere close to the initial rush saw in the middle of March.

Not all cannabis products are viewed equally at this time, though. Edibles and beverages have become the favourable preference for customers to stock up on, while pre-rolled joints are seen as unnecessary to buy up.

In California, median sales and pre-rolls sit below previous daily average for sales. At the same time, edibles have retained a five per cent boost in sales even following the drop off elsewhere.

“Edibles are seeing significantly more growth and a much softer fall than our beloved pre-rolls,” wrote the Headset staff. “With most states prohibiting social gatherings, there just aren’t nearly as many joints being passed around. However, having an edible and watching Netflix is a pretty great way to socially distance.”

In Michigan, meanwhile, medical dispensaries and recreational stores experienced their highest ever profits. According to latest numbers, recreational hit US$5.8 million in sales (an increase of over 20 per cent), while medical was just under US$8 million (an increase of 27 per cent).

But those sales are also expected to decline under Governor Gretchen Whitmer’s “Stay Home, Stay Safe” order, which allowed temporary cannabis regulations that expanded curbside pickups and delivery capabilities.

With marijuana becoming an “essential” good, it represents a full embrace of cannabis by the mainstream public. Little to no backlash existed from these announcements.

Sustained sales during the outbreak will prove vital for marijuana stores, as companies are ineligible for coronavirus-related relief from the federal government.

The FreshToast.com, a U.S. lifestyle site that contributes lifestyle content and, with their partnership with 600,000 physicians via Skipta, medical marijuana information to The GrowthOp.

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