Now that the omicron variant of COVID-19 has found its way into the United States, marijuana businesses – particularly retailers – are contemplating how the shifting pandemic situation might affect their daily operations.
Many marijuana businesses were just starting to open lounges and tasting rooms where their customers could enjoy the products they purchased when the coronavirus pandemic struck a year ago, forcing those plans to be put on hold.
Cannabis-related firms again face hurdles in qualifying for financial relief under the newly enacted $1.9 trillion coronavirus stimulus package, but the door has opened wider for hard-hit companies, especially small and economically disadvantaged businesses.
This spring, the coronavirus pandemic turned the traditional retail model on its head—and marijuana retailers and dispensaries were no exception.
