I really enjoyed the session regarding cannabis and the relations is plays with the challenges being faced in the wine industry.
One key insight that stuck with me is the point that Wendy made regarding how the COVID-19 virus may in fact lead to higher sales for cannabis than before. The difference, she mentioned, was that people, who stressed and under some sort of isolation, may feel the need to find external ways to relax, which cannabis does a great job at. Wendy also mentioned that smokeable flower is the highest earning and highest volume of cannabis product sales they see.
Now, while I think she may be right that consumption of cannabis may increase, I think the form factor may change significantly. This is because thus far, albeit data is limited, smokers have a higher chance of getting seriously ill from COVID (one of many sources here). While this is generally not a key part of the zeitgeist surrounding this pandemic now, if the spread of this virus ends up being a higher scenario, one could imagine strong PSA's pushing against smoking. This is not inconceivable given all the other drastic measures governments and public health officials are making, let alone how the media is reporting them.
While I hope we do not end up in that situation, I will be very curious to see how this industry moves through such time and how the form factors preferred by customers change.
Hey, was also recently writing about this and think this definitely adds a layer to my perspective.
ReplyDelete| Now, while I think she may be right that consumption of cannabis may increase, I think the form factor may change significantly. This is because thus far, albeit data is limited, smokers have a higher chance of getting seriously ill from COVID (one of many sources here).
I definitely would agree with the importance of this comment, and would further it by saying that I truly don't think many smokers are thinking about it (let alone changing behavior). Your next point concerning today's messaging addresses this, but I think it's worth emphasizing that long-time smokers who are both older and immuno-compromised could be putting themselves at serious risk in times like this.
As for policy, I wouldn't put it entirely past government entities to make public statements on this issue and to influence the messaging of news outlets. That said, I can't imagine a city or state making any strides to overhaul what was probably super-controversial legislature to pass (or rebuke) regarding marijuana legalization. Since marijuana-based cases are considered less risky than your typical smoker, the logic for banning marijuana because of coronavirus AND NOT smoking fails to hold water.
Could policymakers and government officials do something illogical? Absolutely. Would they be more inclined to do so if they felt it would paint them in a positive light? Of course -- but I think it would be a very tough case to make, and something that would likely only take place if we reached what the CDC is referring to as a "worst-case scenario" during this outbreak.
Thought I would offer this since your post is very relevant to the lens through which policymakers might view this, and think it's a very interesting consideration that you've articulated.