Pandemic prompts innovation, frustration among cannabis retailers | Calgary Herald
Browsing for bud online and remotely selecting a buzz has become a part of the physical distancing routine among private cannabis retailers.
The COVID-19 pandemic has led some cannabis merchants to go the more limited-contact, express-service model, among other adaptations to a pandemic-hit province that has deemed them an essential service.
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Retailers like NewLeaf Cannabis allow customers to choose their purchase online and place an order before heading to their closest outlet for pickup and pay.
NewLeaf also has tips for buyers.
“When paying, use tap for debit and credit cards versus cash and don’t share joints, pipes or bongs,” advises the company.
It’s a good start, but doesn’t go far enough due to Alberta government restrictions, said Nathan Mison, chairman of the Alberta Cannabis Council, which represents some retailers and licensed producers.
While provinces like Ontario allow online payment and curbside cannabis delivery, Alberta does not, he said.
“It is also important to note that, unlike some other provinces, cannabis retailers were not required to close as a result of public health orders and have been able to continue serving customers at retail locations.”
But that number’s only grown by three in the past week.
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The AGLC’s online sales have remained much the same as they were before the COVID-19 emergency, she said.
Cannabis sales spiked in the first few weeks of the pandemic lockdown as customers feared the stores would soon follow other closures, said James Burns, CEO of Alcanna, which operates 30 Nova Cannabis stores in Alberta.
But that’s fallen back to a slight uptick over last year, though consumer patterns have adapted to more stay-at-home realities, he said.
“Monday’s (sales are) the same as Saturdays now,” said Burns.
And the industry says it’s overcome some of the stigma attached to them: Ottawa was persuaded to include cannabis firms in its business credit availability program for support during the pandemic.