The ongoing COVID-19 outbreak has prompted a temporary addition to Washington’s retail cannabis industry: drive-up service. Several Vancouver-area cannabis stores have immediately jumped on board, advertising online ordering with curbside pickup options.

“It’s the fastest and safest way to order,” said Tran Du, manager at New Vansterdam on Mill Plain Boulevard.

The state Liquor and Cannabis Board first announced the rule change on March 17, the same day that it announced that some bars and restaurants would be able to start doing curbside alcohol sales. The initial rule change applied only to cannabis customers who were medical marijuana patients; but on Tuesday, the board expanded the policy to apply to all recreational sales as well.

Gov. Jay Inslee issued a statewide stay-at-home order on Monday, compelling Washington residents to remain in their homes except for necessary trips, such as grocery shopping. The order exempts several “Essential Critical Infrastructure” businesses, allowing them to continue operating and allowing workers and customers to continue travelling to them.

Cannabis made the cut; Inslee’s order classifies retail cannabis workers as essential, along with workers at most other stages of the cannabis product production pipeline.