Medical marijuana coming to town
Those who have been driving down Small Street in Harrisburg the last few weeks have probably noticed some construction going on at the Veterans Drive intersection.
The building, when complete, will house "Thrive," a medical marijuana dispensary. Though questions swirl around the state's decision to allow such operations, local officials seem optimistic about the opportunities that come with medicinal marijuana.
"I am excited about bringing more jobs to Harrisburg," said Mayor Dale Fowler. "It will also provide more tax base for the city to draw from."
The company plans to open two stores, one in Harrisburg and another in Anna. According to owner George Naumovski, each dispensary will employ at least 10 people to fill positions such as security staff, managers, patient assistants, and counselors and others.
"From a personal stand point I've had cancer in the past and have also seen so many sick people who are on prescription pain killers and medications; there are other methods besides prescription drugs," Naumovski said.
Naumovski and his team, which includes a pharmacist, have spent the last two years preparing for this endeavor. The business must apply and register with the state, adhere to strict safety and security requirements and will have to pass a final state inspection before it is business as usual.
According to Naumovski, 55 or more cameras will record operation activities, along with recording areas that are restricted access and security guards on staff.
Harrisburg police Chief Whipper Johnson expressed his support for the endeavor.
"I have been spit on and kicked by drunks, punched by individuals on meth or other illicit drugs," Johnson said. "I have yet to have conflict with anyone under the influence of marijuana."
According to Johnson, possession of less than 2.5 grams of marijuana is a misdemeanor, punishable by a $75 fine, yet it costs the city $80, in salary alone, to send an officer to court.
"Misdemeanor marijuana charges are a losing battle financially," Johnson said.
The state released a total of 60 licenses for dispensaries and 20 licenses for cultivation centers. Williamson County led the charge by opening the first Illinois marijuana dispensary back in October.
More than 4,000 people have already applied for medical marijuana cards in Illinois and the number continues to grow.
Thrive, with its spa like atmosphere, plans to offer several different forms of patient care including massage therapy, patient counseling, and Reiki, a technique based on touch to activate the body's natural healing and restore emotional well-being.
For those who feel they would not benefit from the treatments because of the smoke inhalation, Thrive will offer different varieties of the plant. Drink solutions, oral strips, nasal sprays, tinctures, creams, patches and chocolates are just a some of the choices from which patients can choose.
Naumovski also said that, according to the State, patients are in a sense "married" to their dispensary. Therefore, those who live closer to Thrive, who have already registered with the Williamson County dispensary, will need to file a transfer with the state before they can use Thrive's services.
Thrive is planning to have a grand opening walkthrough before its inspection date to give surrounding residents a chance to get a feel for the business before they begin taking patients and a job fair will be held in January to fill the 10 to 15 positions available at the facility.
Thrive is slated to open in mid-February pending state approval.