Angel Leaf Medical Cannabis Dispensary is uniquely decorated with Hemp wood throughout, from flooring, furniture, and picture frames.
Angel Leaf is in historic Natchez Mississippi just behind Roux 61 on Interstate 61 South. Angel Leaf caters to all Mississippi patients with a MS Medical Cannabis Card, especially in SW Mississippi. “We are patient-centered and assist patients in reaching their wellness goals. We provide product knowledge, and our experienced staff offer a full range of care from personal consultation to online ordering,” management stated. After visiting Angel Leaf Medical Cannabis Dispensary, Life&Styles questions about the dispensary were answered.
L&S: I understand that Angel Leaf Medical Cannabis Dispensary is a partnership, how did this all get started?
Angel Leaf: After the Farm Bill of 2018 was passed, Black Farmers Hemp of Louisiana was formed, our group cultivated high end boutique hemp. Once the law was passed for Medicinal Cannabis in Mississippi, Black Farmers Hemp chose to move to Mississippi to participate in the medicinal cannabis program as a Mississippi Cannabis dispensary. Black Farmer Hemp of Mississippi then began doing business as Angel Leaf Medical Cannabis Dispensary, with John Ford as General Manager and Royal Hill as the Dispensary Manager.
L&S: What made you decide to choose this venture?
Angel Leaf: Understanding that cannabis and its medicinal properties were vastly underdeveloped, we took this as an opportunity to advocate for the plant. We took the risk of being pioneers in a new program that would be beneficial to so many people.
L&S: How long have you been doing this?
Angel Leaf: We opened our door of operation February 2023.
L&S: Tell us about medical marijuana and why there’s an important need for medicinal cannabis.
Angel Leaf: Being hemp farmers, we developed a belief in the total cannabis plant. While being deemed a federal schedule 3 drug there hasn’t been significant medical research on marijuana, but universally known to have medicinal properties for so many medical conditions.
L&S: Are there any plans for expansion to other cities in the future?
Angel Leaf: We’re always open to additional opportunities, but for now Natchez /Adams County is our focus.
L&S: As a new business what do you foresee as your greatest challenges?
Angel Leaf: I see our greatest challenge is operating in a new program and immature market as it relates to cannabis. Patient engagement and education is another challenge. We’re restricted to how we can reach out to the public.
L&S: I am sure that insurance is accepted here. What are the major insurance companies you work with?
Angel Leaf: Insurance is not accepted for our medicine as of now.
L&S: Tell us about the State regulations pros and cons.
Angel Leaf: Being a new program there are significant growing pains from a regulatory perspective. From staffing, compliance enforcement, and taxation the state has a tremendous challenge in developing a program to be responsive to patient needs. We as a company look forward to participating and growing in this environment.
L&S: When should a person see a medical marijuana specialist?
Angel Leaf: There are over 20 qualifying conditions for patients that are listed on the Department of Health website. If an individual has one of these conditions, they should see a physician that can make a recommendation for the use of cannabis.
L&S: What do you enjoy most about your profession?
Angel Leaf: I enjoy the opportunity to serve patients and provide access to this new medicine for their conditions. It is absolutely a mission at Angel Leaf to provide accessible medicine.
L&S: What do doctors think about medical marijuana?
Angel Leaf: We currently have approximately 10 doctors that can write recommendations here in Natchez.
L&S: What makes medical marijuana such an important commodity?
Angel Leaf: Possibilities. There is still a negative stigma on Cannabis and some physicians haven’t acknowledged the medical benefits yet. Research is just beginning. We currently have 10 physicians and nurse practitioners in our service area that provide recommendations. When we started there was only one. People evolve and there will be others as time moves forward.
L&S: Why is medical marijuana better than other drugs?
Angel Leaf: You’ve never heard of a cannabis overdose. While I’m not a physician, recent research suggest that cannabis could be a safer choice than other pain-relieving drugs such as opioids and benzodiazepines. Cannabis may be safer because its side effects are not life threatening. Opioids and benzidines, however, cause thousands of accidental drug over doses and deaths every year. You’ve never heard of a Cannabis Overdose.
L&S: What makes Angel Leaf different to other dispensaries?
Angel Leaf: As hemp farmers we are true to the plant. Our dispensary is decorated with hemp derived floors and furniture. We guarantee affordable medicine, and the best prices for our patients. We believe in diversity, equity and inclusion. At Angel Leaf we give homage to all the Black, Brown, and poor people that are still incarcerated for crimes pertaining to cannabis, even now over 20 states are capitalizing on taxation of Cannabis and Cannabis derived products.
9 Roux 61 Dr A,
Natchez, MS 39120
(601) 653-0421
