WAMM Phytotherapies, a non-profit organization that provides medical cannabis to low-income and terminally ill patients, is asking for the public’s support for its proposed new location on Mission Street in Santa Cruz. The organization, along with its operating partner The Hook, plans to open a dispensary that will continue WAMM’s legacy of compassionate care and community service.
WAMM Phytotherapies has launched an online petition to gather signatures from residents and supporters of Santa Cruz, who are in favor of the proposed dispensary at 1129 Mission St. The petition states that the initiative represents more than just a business proposal, but a commitment to compassionate care and community wellness.
The petition also outlines the benefits and the rationale of the proposal, such as:
- Providing free medical cannabis to WAMM members, who are in need of natural and effective medicine.
- Offering legal access to affordable, tested, and quality cannabis products to the community, and combating the black market with competitive pricing.
- Creating jobs and generating tax revenue that can be reinvested in local services and infrastructure.
- Implementing robust education and prevention programs about safe cannabis use, and contributing to a well-informed community.
- Adhering to all local zoning, setbacks, and city laws, and ensuring a safe and regulated environment.
- Aligning with existing standards for operational dispensaries, which have successfully integrated into the community without incident.
The petition urges the members of the Santa Cruz City Council to recognize and support the proposal, and to work with WAMM Phytotherapies and The Hook to ensure that the dispensary receives the approval and the permit it needs.
The history and the mission
WAMM Phytotherapies, formerly known as the Wo/Men’s Alliance for Medical Marijuana (WAMM), has a long and distinguished history of providing compassionate care to those in need. Founded in 1993 by Valerie Leveroni Corral and Mike Corral, WAMM was one of the first medical cannabis collectives in the country, and the first to offer free cannabis to its members.
WAMM has served thousands of patients over the years, many of whom suffer from chronic and terminal illnesses, such as cancer, AIDS, epilepsy, and multiple sclerosis. WAMM has also been a pioneer and a leader in the medical cannabis movement, advocating for the rights and the access of patients, and co-authoring the groundbreaking Proposition 215, which legalized medical cannabis in California in 1996.
WAMM’s mission is to provide natural and effective medicine to those who need it, and to promote the health and well-being of its members and the community. WAMM grows its own cannabis on its EnvirOganic Certified farm in Santa Cruz County, using regenerative and organic farming techniques. WAMM also offers a variety of services and programs to its members, such as support groups, hospice care, education, and advocacy.
The partnership and the vision
WAMM Phytotherapies has partnered with The Hook, a local cannabis dispensary that operates in Soquel, CA. The Hook has demonstrated a commitment to responsible retail operations, community education, and the prevention of underage access. The Hook has also supported WAMM’s mission by donating cannabis products to its members on a weekly basis.
Together, WAMM Phytotherapies and The Hook plan to open a dispensary that will uphold the highest standards of community service and compliance, and that will continue WAMM’s legacy of compassionate care. The dispensary will offer a variety of cannabis products, such as flowers, salves, and specially formulated oils, to both medical and recreational consumers. The dispensary will also provide technical training to its employees, who will mostly be WAMM members.
WAMM Phytotherapies and The Hook envision a dispensary that will serve as a model and a resource for the cannabis industry and the community, and that will showcase the innovation and excellence of WAMM. They invite everyone to join their journey and to be part of their venture.
David Johnson is a respected writer known for his expertise in crafting compelling articles about cannabis. With a passion for exploring the intersection of cannabis, health, and wellness, he sheds light on the therapeutic properties and potential uses of this versatile plant. David’s in-depth analysis and thought-provoking commentary offer readers a deeper understanding of the evolving landscape of cannabis legislation, consumption methods, and industry trends.
