Growing fears over the coronavirus outbreak led to the postponement of another major event, this time the marijuana conference Spannabis held every year in Barcelona.
The event initially scheduled for March 13-15 was moved to the fall just 48 hours before its kick-off. The first Spannabis, which an estimated 30,000 people visit every year, was held in 2002.
Meanwhile, the International Cannabis Business Conference scheduled to take place in Barcelona today has been canceled.
As of Thursday morning, Spain has reported 2,968 cases of the novel coronavirus, also known as COVID-19. The World Health Organization declared the disease a global pandemic on Wednesday as cases topped 121,000 worldwide.
Across the Atlantic, the New England Cannabis conference in Boston has also been delayed as the U.S. continues to confirm more cases of the pneumonia-like disease, which originated in China last December.
Other major events that have been canceled or postponed amid the pandemic include the South by Southwest (SXSW) festival in Austin and the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival, as well as a host of other conferences across Europe and North America. Annual medical marijuana conference CannaTech in Tel Aviv, Israel, also fell victim to the virus outbreak.
For a more complete list of events that are being delayed over the coronavirus, check out Leafly’s list here.
Marijuana reform on hold as COVID-19 tests New York
In other news regarding the pandemic, New York Governor Andrew Cuomo has signaled that the ongoing coronavirus crisis is delaying plans to legalize marijuana in his state, as reported by Marijuana Moment.
Speaking at a press conference last week, Cuomo told reporters his focus is currently on the coronavirus as New York is currently struggling with the largest number of cases in the entire country.
“I hope that we can get that done on time, but this is a priority. There’s no doubt about that. And only I can do this,” he responded to reporters’ inquires regarding his plans to legalize weed.
“Again the greatest obstacle that we face here is not understanding the situation or fear or underlying anxiety. The only way I know to combat that is to communicate with the people of the state and try to clear up any misinformation they have or any confusion they have,” he added.
Amid the fallout from the COVID-19 pandemic, U.S. President Donald Trump announced a 30-day ban on travelers from 26 European countries in an effort to curb the spread of the disease.
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Jelena Cikes
Writer and journalist specialized in financial markets and American politics. Pop culture aficionado, travel junkie, YouTube devotee.