The coronavirus pandemic lockdown has impacted many dispensaries across the nation but the state of Washington has been setting a record.
According to point-of-sale data provided by Seattle-based Headset, recreational marijuana sales in Washington state last month had eclipsed $106 million. This was a record for the state.
Adult-use cannabis sales in California also rose last month compared to April of 2019, but the gain was less compared to how monthly sales growth was before the coronavirus pandemic began.
Seattle, Washington Canna West dispensary CEO Maryam Mirnateghi has said that employees are wearing protective gear and wiping down surfaces every hour at the store. “We’re going through about 5,000 gloves a week. It’s a crazy number of gloves.”
Pot stores are considered essential businesses in Washington state and have been allowed to remain open during the COVID-19 lockdown.
Many are saying there is still an impact from the virus. “We’re feeling the pinch in the increased costs as well as an unpredictable sales market right now,” said Vicki Christophersen, Washington CannaBusiness Association executive director.
As unpredictable as the market is, April was still a record month for the state during a time when many are opting to stay inside.