WEST WENDOVER, Nev. — Governor Steve Sisolak has ordered cannabis dispensaries to close their storefronts in the COVID-19 pandemic.
The order allows them to go to delivery only. A directive from Nevada's Department of Taxation said curbside pickup would not be allowed.
As a result, West Wendover's lone marijuana seller has been forced to shut its doors. Deep Roots Harvest said it did not have the ability to offer a delivery service. In Nevada, recreational and medical cannabis sales are allowed. In Utah, it is medical only.
Gov. Sisolak's directives to shutter "non-essential businesses" have had a significant impact on the community of West Wendover. Mayor Daniel Corona told FOX 13 this week that as much as 70% of the community's economy is tied to gaming. Casinos were ordered to close earlier this week.
Utah has only one medical cannabis dispensary up and running, but it remains in business. Dragonfly Wellness said it has increased product for qualifying medical cannabis patients.
As the state-run program gets up and running, Utahns who are qualifying medical cannabis patients are allowed to obtain an "affirmative defense" letter from their doctor. It lets them purchase marijuana from out-of-state or in Utah and avoid prosecution. That affirmative defense will expire at the end of this year as the state works to get patients on a card system.
