Crowd packs first medical marijuana store in Ormond Beach

Ormond Beach Observer
Business

There was a large crowd waiting to get into the first medical marijuana treatment center in Ormond Beach on Feb. 29 at the grand opening of MÜV Dispensary at 290 Clyde Morris Boulevard, Suite 2.

They were called to enter in groups, as there was only so much room in the dispensary. Only medical marijuana card holders can buy products at the store. The company had offered discounts for those arriving early.

“I wouldn’t be surprised if we see 200 people today,” said Zack Swan, of Altmed Enterprises, the parent company, which has 17 other locations in Florida.

One of those waiting was Lorry Hood, widow of David Hood, local government official and judge who died March 15, 2019.

She was happy that she does not have to drive to Holly Hill or Daytona Beach anymore to get medical marijuana. She pointed out that the people waiting were everyday people, seeking treatment for a medical condition, and not “drug addicts” that some fear. She noted there is a drugstore on nearly every corner where people can get drugs, and it’s important for people to also have access to marijuana, a natural product.

Hood said her husband had lobbied state legislators to allow medical marijuana beginning in 2012.

There are 13 approved conditions for a medical marijuana card, including cancer, PTSD, epilepsy, Crohn’s disease, etc.

It’s a product with a demand. There are 315,000 holders of medical marijuana cards in Florida. Cards are obtained from certified physicians.

There are a variety of ways medical marijuana can be taken, and the products in the new Ormond Beach store are displayed in an open-design with advisors available. Products include capsules, vape pens, tinctures, oral spray, etc., and smoking has also been approved by the state. Edible products are coming, and Swan said they are awaiting guidelines from the state.

Altmed has been approved to have 40 locations in Florida, and Swan said they expect to have 32 by the end of the year.

Altmed CEO John Tipton said the city was great to work with, but they were very specific about the approved location. The facility, approved by the City Commission, is located in an area of medical offices.

Visit www.muvfl.com and www.altmedflorida.com.