The focus of this bulletin is to advise our many Los Angeles Commercial Cannabis Businesses that cannabis businesses may remain open during the Los Angeles Safer at Home Order For Control of COVID-19. Effective at 11:59 pm on March 19, 2020, Los Angeles County Department of Public Health will require non-essential businesses to close their doors until April 19, 2020 in response to the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic (the “Order”).
Cannabis Dispensaries Are ‘Essential’
So-called ‘Essential Infrastructure’ operations may continue to operate while the Order is in place. Cannabis dispensaries that possess medicinal licenses have been deemed essential under the Order at Section 15(b) which states:
“This Order does not apply to the following essential infrastructure or operations: …. Cannabis dispensaries with a medicinal cannabis license…”. (Order at Section 15(b)(i)).
Remember that M-designation you second-guessed? Now you can operate because of it!
Non-Retail Suppliers Are Also ‘Essential’
Dispensaries cannot operate without supplies. The Order contemplates this and considers suppliers to be Essential Businesses:
“For purposes of this Order, Essential Businesses are defined as the following: … (n) Businesses that supply other Essential Businesses with the support or supplies necessary to operate…” (Order at Section 13(b)).
Laboratory testing of cannabis goods is also permitted under the order:
“This Order does not apply to the following essential infrastructure or operations: …medical or scientific research companies…” (Order at Section 15(b)(i)).
Thus, non-retail cultivators, manufacturers, and distributors may continue to operate while the Order remains in effect.
We at KVK Will Continue To Safely Serve Our Clients
As you know from our prior bulletin, many KVK team members are now working remotely. A small team of staff remains in the office and is adhering to social distancing requirements. Under the Order, KVK may continue to operate as an Essential Business. We are ready, willing, and able to serve you.
Stay safe.
By GianDominic Vitiello, March 19, 2020