British Columbia makes cannabis businesses ‘essential’ during COVID-19 Published March 27, 2020 British Columbia has designated cannabis retailers and producers as essential services, meaning regulated cannabis businesses can keep operating during the COVID-19 pandemic. “Essential services are those daily services essential to preserving life, health, public safety and basic societal functioning,” wrote B.C.’s Ministry of Public Safety and Solicitor General in a press release issued Thursday. Such essential services “should and are encouraged to remain open,” says the press release, although they should adhere to COVID-19 guidance provided by B.C.’s provincial health officer. Unless explicitly ordered to close, B.C. businesses that have not been designated essential and are not included on the province’s essential services list “may stay open if (they) can adapt (their) services and workplace to the orders and recommendations of the (provincial health officer).” The essential services list includes cannabis retailers and producers, along with other retail service provides, like grocery stores and liquor…