Ed. Note: This story is part of a continuing series about the cannabis industry’s humanitarian efforts during the coronavirus, COVID-19 pandemic.
As some areas start to loosen pandemic restrictions, and weeks stretch into months of social distancing protocols with slow “re-openings” of some global virus epicenters, there seems to be no end to the demands for fundraising, equipment donation, and contributions to nonprofits and local food banks.
According to John Hopkins University Coronavirus Resource Center, there have been nearly 3.8 million cases of COVID-19 globally, with 1,243,029 so far in the United States. The global death toll stands at 264,679 with 74,239 deaths attributed to COVID-19 in the U.S.
The cannabis industry and its members, an altruistic group under normal conditions, are keeping up efforts to support pandemic relief efforts, in whatever ways they can.
Canadian retailer Stash & Co. – Recreational Cannabis made a $10,000 donation to local Ottawa nonprofit Cornerstone Housing for Women, which helps victims of domestic violence with shelter and services. The funds were raised with sales of Tote-for-Toonie” reusable shopping bags, and then matched by Karan Someshwar, founder of Stash & Co. – Recreational Cannabis.
“It is important now more than ever for our community to come together and make a difference with regards to the housing crisis here, especially during COVID-19,” said Someshwar. “Since our opening in February, our staff has worked hard raising funds for the Cornerstone Housing for Women in an effort to curb homelessness in Ottawa.”
Arizona-based CBD brand TruPotency has sourced KN95 masks, which they have available for sale in boxes of ten. Proceeds from sales go to contributing to mask donations to front-line healthcare workers and first-responders. Donation recipients include San Xavier Health Center on the Tohono O’odham Reservation and the Pima County Covid-19 Response Center.
“We have donated thousands of these masks to first responders in our hometown of Tucson, Arizona,” TruPotency said in a release. “The remainder we are selling in boxes of ten. This quantity may be more than you need, so we suggest that you use them for friends, family, or those service people around you, be it the grocery clerk, mailman, etc.”
Seattle-based Canna Brand Solutions resourced 10,000 KN95 masks, which were donated to local front-line health workers.
“We are investing our profits back into our community by donating 10,000 KN95 masks that will be delivered to healthcare workers at Providence and Virginia Mason [Hospitals],” Canna Brand Solutions’ Chief Executive Officer Daniel Allen said in a blog post. “During this challenging time, we can think of no better way to serve our community than support the people working to keep us safe and healthy.”
Portland, Oregon’s Social CBD brand has launched a “Thank You for Staying Home” campaign, which offers the “Stay at Home Kit,” a $17.99 value that includes several “effects driven” CBD products.
“The program initially began with a focus on providing product to workers on the frontline, like first responders and nurses, people who are putting their health at risk to protect us all,” Social CBD Chief Marketing Officer James Jeynes said in a press release. “After seeing a truly incredible response, we decided to broaden that mission to the rest of the public. Flattening the curve is a nationwide effort and we recognize the sacrifices Americans are making every day to achieve that goal.”
“We understand that people are under a tremendous amount of pressure these days,” Jeynes added. “We’ve built our company around human connection and well being, and in that spirit, want to show gratitude to people who are doing their part to benefit their communities and the country at large.”
Colorado-based CBD company Panacea Life Sciences, Inc. transitioned part of its production facilities to produce hand sanitizer—a needed product that has been in short supply.
“During this time of crisis, Panacea is pleased to do our part to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic by leveraging our existing core competencies to provide important products to prevent the spreading of this virus,” Leslie Buttorff, Chief Executive Officer for Panacea Life Sciences, Inc. said in a press release.
“Panacea prides itself on cultivating wellness every day, and we have regularly been hearing from organizations who are in need of critical supplies. We are proud to step-up and contribute to the collective effort to help protect the doctors, nurses, other health workers, utilities, and government agencies who are caring for others on the front lines,” Buttorff added.
Non-CBD hand sanitizers produced by Panacea will be distributed through global supply chains. “More than five million hand sanitizers will be ready for purchase and distribution the first week in May,” the company said.
