Monday is 4/20. It’s a day when large crowds usually gather, especially in San Francisco, to celebrate marijuana use. However, a city dispensary is preparing for a very different kind of celebration this year.
When we are not collectively sheltering in place, 4/20 is a very big day for the Apothecarium. Spokesman Eliot Dobris said the dispensary would be decorated and that there would be entertainment and food.
“We might have some local celebrities come by, we would have tables with all sorts of vendors offering free samples,” said Dobris, “and there would be lines down the block and huge crowds.”
But the COVID-19 pandemic has changed everything this year. San Francisco Mayor London Breed is discouraging the throngs of people who usually descend upon the city from coming this year, saying police will be patrolling the area around Hippie Hill in Golden Gate Park and issuing citations, if necessary.
Dobris said the Apothecarium is encouraging people to 4/20 in place this year and order online for pickup or delivery, but with a caution.
“If we do get a surge of customers on 4/20, we will have staff outside making sure that everybody is following social distancing, if a line does appear.” said Dobris.
Dispensaries have been deemed to be essential businesses, and the Apothecarium has three locations in San Francisco. Staff will be in place to enforce social distancing protocols, should a lot of people show up AT the dispensaries.