Massachusetts is starting to reopen its economy, and that includes recreational marijuana dispensaries that were shuttered during the corona virus lockdown—a controversial decision by Governor Charlie Baker that generated much debate both in the state and nationwide over what constituted “essential” services. Baker stuck to the order, saying he didn’t want tourists flocking to Massachusetts to buy pot and spread the virus.
But now that the ban has been lifted and weed shops resume selling recreational marijuana, the state is easing rules on salesand delivery in the name of public health and safety. That includes allowing online and phone commerce as well as curbside pickup, in order to maintain social distancing and other protective measures, but which will make it easier to access cannabis and perhaps encourage consumers to flout age and other restrictions. Hopefully, the state will revisit the regulations once the pandemic has eased, also in the interest of public health and safety.
Marijuana commerce is also the subject of a commentary in the L.A. Times, by a mom in California who is dismayed by the in-your-face advertising and marketing she sees on a tour of marijuana shops and simply driving around the city. As she notes, pot is promoted on every street corner and by every social influencer with appealing ads aimed at luring susceptible young people. The ubiquity of pot shops and how cool they look and their pervasive promotion can feel disturbing, she concludes, sending the wrong message to susceptible teens and influencing their choices.