Due to delays in Hawaii’s medical marijuana tracking system, no dispensaries have opened in yet. But entrepreneurs are still taking the opportunity to jump into the industry regardless of the delay.
Programs to assist patients with obtaining a medical marijuana card are setting up shops, according to Hawaii News Now. Dr. Farzad Pourarian is one of those working to assist patients. He is one of two licensed doctors at Honolulu Wellness Center who is assisting patients with obtaining their cards while remaining state-compliant.
Dr. Pourarian said, “What I make sure not to use is any heavy narcotic use or anything that just masks the pain. That’s what my specialty is here. Those who are end-of-life care or have such bad pain that it’s so debilitating to their life that their quality of life is completely altered and they’re almost down to no hope. So we want to help them and not let them get addicted to the terrible drugs, but help them in a more pure and organic way.”
Honolulu Wellness Center founder Paul Klink said, “As far as I know, we’re the only ones coming out in the public and saying, ‘Hey, if you want your medical marijuana card, and you have a legally qualifying diagnosis, we’re going to help you get your card.’ The qualifiers are very simple, you have to have HIV/AIDS, you have to have severe pain, seizures, nausea, glaucoma, cancers. These are very specific ailments and our doctors are prepared to help you in those areas.”
Sweet Leaf dispensary VP Nichole West said, “Pardon the pun, it’s the largest growing in the nation right now. And people are just excited to be able to find a career. I wasn’t really aware of the economic issues that Hawaii has, the need for some tax money, but it really inspired me to hear recently the opportunities that it’s gonna offer as far as employment as well as revenue for the state.”