Curious about medical marijuana?
Me too. Here’s what I learned
Yesterday, I met a friend at Starbucks over on Mill Plain Road in Danbury, Connecticut, and we decided to check out the Botanist, the medical marijuana shop in the next plaza. Both of us are reporters and have been curious about it for a while. So we walked over to the building that once housed a yoga studio I really liked. The studio closed during COVID; in its place, this dispensary has sprung up.
The bottom line is this: We could not get past the reception vestibule to even take a peek inside. For that, as well as the purchase of anything, one needs a medical marijuana card. I can’t speak for my friend, but I definitely am not into pot. Not only have I never smoked anything, regular cigs included, but I find the smell of it revolting. It also makes me a bit paranoid, and that goes back to a college experience that has stayed with me… maybe a blog for another time.
But back to the Botanist.. We quizzed the receptionist, and she patiently but firmly said we could not go in, even if we just wanted to look. And explained that in order to get the required medical marijuana card that would let us in, we needed to see a “qualifying provider” with whom to consult to get the go-ahead. They have a list handy. One name was given to us, and the receptionist said her fee was $150. Your own physician can initiate an application for you if they have the proper credentials.
If you qualify through your own doctor or one on the list, you then can go through the process of submitting the required forms along with a check for $100 to the state of CT. Evidently your name has to be entered into the state data base (again, according to the receptionist). More information is detailed on the state website – including the exact credentials your doctor needs, and the medical conditions that may qualify you for the card. CT.gov
Regarding the recreational marijuana program that is supposedly coming, the receptionist said it was going to be a while, and, yes, it would be sold at this location. She added that getting the medical marijuana card (if you could get it), would be cheaper in the long run, because the recreational pot will be taxed heavily, while the medical pot is not taxed at all.
And this is how CT handles it. Not sure how it’s done in other states.
There you have it. At least that’s what I culled from the chat with the Botanist receptionist, their website, and the CT State website.
I doubt I’ll be visiting the Botanist again. I hope not anyway. Staying healthy and not needing it is my goal.