Cannabis consumers switched from flowers to edibles during the COVID-19 pandemic, as the practice of passing around a joint, or smoking or vaping anything were reported to carry an increased risk of contracting the virus.
At the same time, the industry ramped up its production of infused edibles, with new products, including infused wine, beer, and cider as well as upscale non-alcoholic low-dose drinks with exotic herbs such as ginger lemongrass, blood orange cardamom, and cranberry sage. "During the height of the pandemic, we saw a huge shift to edibles — and also a big increase in online orders for delivery or pickup," said Eliot Dobris, spokesman for the Castro's largest dispensary, the Apothecarium.