The first and only medical marijuana dispensary in Fredericton believes the standards they hold their operation to will help to erase the negative stigma that is still surrounding marijuana usage.
Despite legalization not yet being a reality in Canada, HBB Medical Inc. opened in April.
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Since then they say they have brought in over 400 members, all of which go through a stringent screening process to ensure they are legally permitted to access medical marijuana.
“We want to identify that mainstream medical dispensaries do have a place in society,” said Hank Merchant, HBB president of procedures. “We set standards above and beyond.”
Merchant describes some other dispensaries he’s visited as far less professional operations. Hey says he prides himself on a relaxed, inviting atmosphere, discrete location and clean smell which is devoid of marijuana thanks to sealed containers, refrigerated products, and ventilated air system.
“Within the next three to four weeks we’re going to have childproof and child resistant containers,” he said of their plans to improve on safety and discretion. “Then we’ll take it one step further and we’re going to also put that in an exit bag.”
Merchant, who runs the business with his sons Brock and Bowe, says raising the bar in the Canadian industry means taking a page out of Colorado facilities’ book, as knowledgeable staff assist medical marijuana users much like a pharmacist.
“We ask them first off ‘what are you taking your medication for?’ and that right away dials it down whether it’s for PTSD, MS, whether its for chronic pain,” said Brock, who works as a budtender in the shop.
“We can tune into what we have for feedback from past different members to say this product will work better for you.”
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While legalization hasn’t been passed, Merchant believes the expectation has already helped to change how many people view marijuana use, and that high standards for dispensaries should be given plenty of thought when the law is changed.
“At this point in time there’s no such thing as a legal marijuana dispensary here in Atlantic Canada,” he said. “It’s not legal, however it’s not totally illegal in that mainstream society has accepted it.”