North Mississippi’s first medical marijuana dispensary opens following challenges

HERNANDO, Miss. — It was a historic day for North Mississippi.

Dozens of people gathered for a ribbon cutting at Herbal Alchemy Dispensary in Hernando on Thursday afternoon.

It’s the first medical cannabis dispensary to open in this part of the state.

The owners said the idea for the store was born as soon as Mississippi voters passed a measure allowing medical marijuana.

“I’m enthusiastic. I am looking forward to it. I think it will be a great addition to our community,” Gabriel Romero, a Mississippi resident, said.

It’s been a long road to legalizing medical marijuana in Mississippi. Voters approved it a couple years ago.

But that was followed by a legal challenge to the process that got marijuana on the ballot and political challenges as well.

That included the governor pushing for tighter regulation and opponents concerned about it leading to the acceptance of recreational pot in the state.

But now Herbal Alchemy is getting ready to open its doors to customers in DeSoto County.

“This is an all-natural medication that has proven results of alleviating several symptoms of numerous medical conditions,” Brier Brummett, the store manager said.

Brummett said they decided to have the ribbon cutting before stocking the store to give people an idea of what to expect.

Eventually, the store will offer medical cannabis products, including gummies, flowers, pens and edibles.

There are 21 conditions that qualify for medical marijuana in Mississippi. This list includes PTSD, autism, cancer, hepatitis chronic pain and Type 1 and 2 diabetes.

“Cannabis can give people a better quality of life,” Kristie Peggins, a nurse practitioner and the owner of Green Medical and Consulting, said. “It’s not as hard and addictive as some of the drugs we know like opioids which can be very addictive.”

Romero had dealt with substance abuse in the past and plans to be one of the store’s first customers.

“There is a way out,” he said. “Here is an opportunity and tool in our toolbox.”

The dispensary’s official opening is Jan. 9.

Patients will need a medical cannabis card that’s certified by an approved doctor to enter and purchase from the store.

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