Transcript
As we reported in yesterday’s newscast, nearly 40 million residents in California have been ordered to stay home to avoid spreading the coronavirus.
It’s the first statewide mandate of its kind.
Nonessential services like malls, hardware stores, gyms, movie theaters and restaurants are all closed.
But here’s something interesting.
Among the list of businesses that are deemed essential in parts of the state are cannabis dispensaries.
Certain cities like Los Angeles County, Palm Springs, San Jose and San Francisco say the marijuana stores can stay open during the lockdown.
Earlier this week San Francisco’s mayor compared the dispensaries to pharmacies, saying cannabis has medical uses that people rely on.
However there are indications that people who smoke, vape or have substance abuse problems may be at increased risk when it comes to coronavirus.
Health officials say because covid-19 attacks the lungs, it may pose a more serious threat to those who smoke tobacco or marijuana and those who vape.
They are also concerns for those who use opioids and methamphetamine.
Opioids slow down breathing and have already been shown to increase mortality in people with respiratory diseases.
Methamphetamine has been shown to cause considerable pulmonary damage.
Posted – 3.21.20