The coronavirus outbreak has put everyone on high alert. With over 3 million confirmed cases and at least 220,000 deaths globally, we should definitely be on guard. The virus spreads primarily through droplets released by an infected person when they sneeze or cough, and governments all over the world have rolled out social distancing measures to help prevent this.
Individuals are to stay indoors unless they absolutely have to, and the businesses that have been allowed to continue operating are required to practice social distancing measures. For the most part, this has involved curbside pickups and home deliveries. Cannabis was one of the industries lucky enough to be deemed essential, and marijuana businesses have also been adhering to these measures.
However, even with proper social distancing and hand washing measures, there have been fears that the virus may spread through contaminated surfaces. According to data from a U.S. National Institute of Health (NIH) study, the virus that causes the coronavirus can survive for up to 24 hours on cardboard and 2-3 days on plastic and stainless steel surfaces.
So how do you make sure your cannabis packages are sterile? Nothing would suck as much as getting infected from a package despite practicing all the other prevention methods.
For starters, try to avoid contact as much as you can. If there is a ‘no contact’ delivery option, go with it. Ideally, the shop and its employees ought to have taken protective measures on their end, you can’t be too cautious. Once the package has been delivered, you’ll have a number of sanitizing options. However, soap and water won’t work as the cannabis will get soaked and suffer damage.
Research has shown that using 62-71% alcohol, 0.5% hydrogen peroxide bleach or household bleach containing 0.1% sodium hypochlorite to disinfect surfaces will deactivate the virus. Make sure you put on gloves before handling the package or the entire process will be moot.
Since the virus survives for a limited time on plastic and steel surfaces, you could also store the package in a cool, dry place for a couple of days. Marijuana doesn’t expire, and any viruses on the packaging will die off after two or three days. You might choose to err on the side of caution and let the package sit for up to a week.
And as always, make sure you wash your hands thoroughly after handling the package.
Experts say these are the same measures that sector players like Plus Products Inc. (CSE: PLUS) (OTCQX: PLPRF) encourage customers to implement until the government gives the all-clear that the virus has been defeated decisively.
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