Medical cannabidiol goes on sale on Saturday in Iowa. The products have trace amounts of THC, the active ingredient in marijuana that makes users high. Medpharm Iowa will grow it and sell products to dispensaries across the state of Iowa, including the one in Council Bluffs.
Have a Heart Compassionate Care is a Seattle-based company that has medical and recreational dispensaries in several states. It will open its Council Bluffs branch in an unassuming building at 3615 9th Ave.
“We will have all the available products in the state showcased along with educational information,” said Charley Wells, store design manager for the company.
Have a Heart Compassionate Care will sell 14 CBD products: capsules, lotion and drops.
“We’re here to help and we’re here to end the stigma when it comes to cannabis and cannabis use,”said Miguel Mendoza, who trains new employees at dispensaries.
Four people have been hired to run the Council Bluffs dispensary.
Iowa lawmakers in 2017 approved the Medical Cannabidiol Act, which allows CBD to treat certain debilitating diseases, including cancer, multiple sclerosis and Parkinson’s.
Operators said the dispensary works like a pharmacy.
“The difference is you’re going to have the ability to look at the products, ask questions and dig into information on it, prior to ever getting up to a counter,” Wells said.
You have to be an Iowa resident and registered with the State Department of Public Health, after an Iowa doctor’s approval.
The patient will be issued a medical card.
“They’ll put that in the system and once they come in, they’ll verify and cross reference that identification whether it’s driver’s license or a regular ID,” Mendoza said.
The company said it always works closely with police and has installed several layers of security, including 24/7 monitoring of surveillance cameras.
“Deterrent is a big thing and we’re creating a secure space, so we know that the product is going to remain safe,” Wells said.
A soft opening is set for Saturday and a grand opening will be Dec. 8. Operators said everyone is welcome, even those who don’t have a medical card but want to learn more information about CBD.
Article originally published by KETV 7
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