Store could be open next week
WHITE PINE -- Medical marijuana isn't the typical topic for coffee talk at Antonio’s Restaurant in White Pine. But it's been on everyone's minds and lips lately, ever since customers discovered a medical marijuana dispensary will soon fill one of the vacant storefronts in the Mineral River Plaza.
"If it's going to be used for medicinal purposes, it should be dispensed in a pharmacy with a doctor’s prescription,” said Rietta Squires. “I don't think this is the place for it."
"I’m not opposed to medical marijuana if someone needs it for health reasons,” said Judy Bardell. “It's known to help cancer patients and people with glaucoma. But if you're making an industry of it, who's going to regulate it?"
Many residents were surprised when renovations for the store began several weeks ago. But owner David Ray says he's a licensed caregiver and has been operating his distribution company, Pioneer Testing Services, out of his garage for the past year.
"It’s a good thing and there's a major need for this," said Ray. “We've taken a 6,000 square foot grocery store and we're turning it into a testing, bakery, and hydroponics store for growing materials."
Security cameras, guards, and a double door entrance will ensure that only people with verified medical marijuana cards are allowed in. The front glass window will be permanently covered, so parents need not worry when their children walk through the plaza to visit other businesses.
"We also plan to offer one to three percent of our gross back to the community so that they can afford to pave the parking lot, turn street lights back on, etc.,” Ray said. “We want to do anything we can for the community."
Ray still has a lot of work to do, but he's hoping to open for business as soon as next Monday.
Most residents said they are planning to address their concerns at the township meeting next Wednesday night; of course by that time, Ray's shop could already be open.
TV Station Profiles & Public Inspection Files forWLUC