Florida Cannabis Businesses Brace for Hurricane Milton, Shutter Operations Ahead of Landfall

As Hurricane Milton barrels toward Florida’s west coast, cannabis businesses across the state began shutting down this week, preparing for the powerful storm expected to make landfall late Wednesday. The hurricane’s approach has led to significant disruptions in the state’s cannabis industry, with dispensaries closing and cultivation operations pausing. Despite the chaos, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has not extended the deadline to register for the upcoming Nov. 5 election, where voters will weigh in on key issues, including the potential legalization of adult-use marijuana.

Voting Deadline Remains Firm Despite Storm Threat

While Hurricane Milton is disrupting everyday life in Florida, Governor Ron DeSantis has stood firm on the Oct. 7 deadline for voter registration, despite calls from voters’ rights groups for an extension. These groups have argued that Florida residents are still dealing with the aftermath of Hurricane Helene and need more time to register ahead of Milton’s expected landfall. DeSantis, however, maintains that residents still have time to register before the storm strikes, and there are no plans to extend the deadline.

This decision is particularly significant as Florida voters will not only be casting ballots for president but also deciding on a pivotal measure to legalize adult-use cannabis. With cannabis legalization a major topic in the state, the voter registration deadline could impact participation in this critical decision.

Cannabis Dispensaries Announce Closures Across the State

Cannabis businesses across Florida, including major multi-state operators (MSOs), have started closing dispensaries in anticipation of Hurricane Milton. Chicago-based Cresco Labs, a key player in Florida’s cannabis industry, closed several of its Sunnyside medical marijuana dispensaries on Monday and Tuesday, bringing the total number of closures in the state to nine. While Cresco is attempting to balance patient needs and employee safety, preparations for the storm are well underway.

In an effort to protect their facilities and staff, Cresco has taken extensive precautions. The company has installed tarps, sandbags, storm shutters, and boards on windows to minimize damage from wind and water. Additionally, the company is ensuring that its employees have the necessary time and resources to prepare their own homes for the storm.

Cresco Shuts Down Cultivation Facility, Trulieve Pauses Deliveries

In addition to dispensary closures, Cresco has temporarily closed its cultivation facility in Indiantown. This decision was made to give employees time to prepare their homes for the incoming storm. The company is closely monitoring weather conditions and evaluating potential damage, with plans to resume operations by Friday, depending on the extent of the storm’s impact.

Trulieve, another prominent cannabis company headquartered in Tallahassee, has also taken significant steps in anticipation of Hurricane Milton. As of Wednesday, Trulieve had closed 80 of its dispensaries across Florida, with plans to close another 26 early in the day. The company has also paused all delivery services from 19 of its Florida stores, at least through Thursday.

To help medical marijuana patients prepare for the storm, Trulieve advised customers to stock up on at least one week’s worth of cannabis products before dispensaries began closing. The company emphasized that the safety of its customers and employees remains a top priority, particularly during hurricane season when closures can be prolonged.

Ayr Wellness and Verano Follow Suit with Closures and Precautions

Miami-based Ayr Wellness, another MSO operating in Florida, took similar precautions ahead of the storm. Ayr closed 56 of its 66 dispensaries across the state and shut down its cultivation facility on Wednesday. Ayr has implemented environmental sensors at its grow facilities to monitor plant health during the storm and ensure operations can resume as soon as conditions allow. Generators and a skeleton crew have been put in place to maintain critical operations and respond to any emergencies.

Chicago-based Verano Holdings Corp. has also shuttered a large portion of its Müv dispensaries in Florida. By Wednesday, Verano had closed 37 Müv stores, with plans to keep 55 of its Florida dispensaries closed through Thursday. Additionally, the company halted all delivery services in the state to ensure the safety of both employees and customers.

Verano has taken proactive measures to monitor the storm and is providing real-time updates to customers regarding the status of its dispensary operations. The company is adhering to guidance from local emergency management officials and has implemented safety protocols to protect its staff and patients.

Cannabis Industry Faces Uncertainty Amid Hurricane Season

As Hurricane Milton threatens Florida, the state’s cannabis industry is facing considerable disruption. The closures of dispensaries and cultivation facilities are necessary to protect the safety of employees and preserve the integrity of physical assets. However, prolonged closures could impact medical marijuana patients who rely on these services for their treatment, particularly if storm damage delays the reopening of stores and delivery services.

Cannabis businesses, which are still navigating the relatively young legal landscape in Florida, must also contend with the operational challenges presented by the state’s unpredictable hurricane season. Companies like Cresco, Trulieve, Ayr, and Verano have developed contingency plans, but the long-term impact of storms like Milton on their operations remains to be seen.

Post-Storm Recovery and Resumption of Operations

As Hurricane Milton makes landfall and its full impact becomes clear, cannabis businesses across Florida will begin assessing damage and determining the timeline for reopening. While companies are hopeful that operations can resume by the end of the week, much depends on the severity of the storm and the extent of damage to facilities and infrastructure.

The cannabis industry in Florida, which has been rapidly expanding in recent years, will likely face additional challenges as it navigates the recovery process. However, the steps taken by companies to safeguard their businesses and employees reflect the resilience of the industry as it continues to grow despite external challenges.

For now, all eyes are on Hurricane Milton and its potential to disrupt Florida’s cannabis market as businesses await the storm’s passing and prepare for the long road to recovery.