Where to buy weed during the COVID-19 pandemic

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Approximately 4,000 times these past two weeks, I’ve thanked my lucky stars cannabis was legalized before the COVID-19 pandemic swept the globe and sent us all cowering in our bong dens.

While it’s natural to want to hunker down with your creature comforts, we should all be mindful of a few things: For one, sharing joints and bong hits are officially not happening until long after this virus is contained. Second, be aware of the risks associated with vaping and combusting cannabis, especially if you are immunocompromised. If you decide to stock up in person, be mindful of other customers and retail workers — keep your distance. And lastly, Canada Post is warning that they will not be accepting signatures at your door — you may have to pick up your package from a post office if you select this delivery method.

Here is a regional breakdown of your options for buying cannabis across the country.

British Columbia

We’re still waiting to find out if B.C. cannabis stores will be deemed essential by the province and stay open through the lockdown, but until then, you can:

Alberta

So far, Alberta has not recommended that any businesses close. Provincial regulators are leaving it up to store owners and managers to oversee safety.

  • Order online from Alberta Cannabis.
  • Visit a private store. Store owners and managers have instituted their own safety measures like minimizing patron capacity and protecting workers with masks and gloves, but thus far delivery or curbside pickup is not available through these shops.

Saskatchewan

So far, the province hasn’t shuttered any retail stores, but has mandated that customers and workers maintain a distance of one to two metres.

  • Buy online from a private store.
  • Stores like Fire & Flower are only offering click ‘n’ collect or home delivery at this time, so make sure you investigate your current options before heading out.
  • All Tokyo Smoke and Tweed stores have closed.

Manitoba

Stores have not been closed by the province at this time, but do check on your local shop to see if their hours or policies have changed.

  • Visit or buy online from a private store.
  • Stores like Fire & Flower are only offering click ‘n’ collect or home delivery at this time, so make sure you investigate your current options before heading out.
  • All Tokyo Smoke and Tweed stores in the province have closed.

Ontario

Cannabis has been deemed essential by the province, and will stay open while all other non-essential stores have closed.

  • Buy online from the Ontario Cannabis Store (same-day delivery is currently suspended due to demand).
  • Visit a store, but be sure to check to see if their hours or policies have changed.
  • No click ‘n’ collect or delivery from private stores at this time.

Quebec

While non-essential businesses have closed, cannabis has been deemed essential in Quebec.

  • Buy online from the SQDC.
  • Visit an SQDC location. Be mindful that stores could be limiting the number of patrons allowed at one time, and keep your distance.

New Brunswick

Non-essential stores have been asked to not allow anyone inside (but can make transactions over the phone and online). But cannabis has been deemed essential.

Nova Scotia

The NSLC has reduced its hours, so make sure you check your local store before visiting.

Prince Edward Island

All cannabis stores have been closed.

Newfoundland & Labrador

Stores are still open in Newfoundland, but gatherings and travel are restricted.

Nunavut

Northwest Territories

So far, all businesses remain open, but people are being asked to restrict non-essential travel.

  • Buy online from NTLCC.
  • Visit a licensed private store, but call ahead to make sure that hours or store policies haven’t changed since your last visit.

Yukon

  • Order online from Yukon Cannabis.
  • Visit a licensed, private retailer — but check for store policy changes or hours before you head out.
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