Local dispensary budding despite delays in opening, followed by COVID-19

wireready_04-12-2020-11-28-08_00024_covidandcannabis

More than three years after voters approved medical marijuana sales in Arkansas and following a handful of delays, Mountain Home’s cannabis dispensary opened its doors only to face another challenge just over a month later–the arrival of the COVID-19 pandemic.Clint Mickle, one of the owners of Plant Family Therapeutics, located east of Mountain Home, says the dispensary experienced “incredibly high volume” when it first opened, probably due to pent up demand.


Listen:



right-click to download mp3

Mickle says visits to the dispensary are handled differently depending on what the patient is looking for.


Listen:



right-click to download mp3

The owners and staff at Plant Family Therapeutics were just settling in, having sold 175/93 pounds from the opening on Feb. 3 through Tuesday, according to the Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration, when they were forced to adjust their operation due to the coronavirus.




Mickle says like pharmacies dispensaries are allowed to continue operating with the pandemic.


Listen:



right-click to download mp3

Patients at Plant Family Therapeutics and all of Arkansas’ other 20 dispensaries have a set amount they may purchase.


Listen:



right-click to download mp3

Mackles says they shop for product from the state’s three licensed cultivators.

Mickle says each dispensary sets its own prices. The posted prices reflect state, county and a special use tax, when combined are slightly over 11%.

Like all business owners, Mickle says they are looking forward to warm summer days and putting COVID-19 in the rear view.

WebReadyTM Powered by WireReady® NSI