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Married couple and Greenbelt residents for 25 years James Riordon and Martha Heil are part of the public face of AltPharm, a licensed local dispensary for medical marijuana (cannabis). Maryland legalized medical marijuana in 2012 and there are now nearly 100 dispensaries established in the state, 70 of which are operational. Riordan and Heil set up a booth at the Greenbelt Farmers Market on November 4 to spread the word about their product and to aid those interested in getting an account in the online registration system.
AltPharm opened in April 2018 and is in Suitland, a location that provides easy access to the Beltway and Metro’s Green Line. Heil was pleased to share what she referred to as the “exciting medical landscape” of their product that she pointed out has “a myriad of ways to use.” AltPharm was created by James Patrick Riordon, Riordon’s son, and Marguerite Santos. It currently employs 10 people but expects to increase its staffing and hours. Riordon is aiming to get the word out and to add to its growing register of patients.
At their market booth, Riordon and Heil used a laptop to help those interested begin the application process with the Maryland Medical Cannabis Commission (MMCC). Qualifying disorders include cachexia, anorexia, glaucoma, various types of pain, muscle spasms and anxiety disorders. An appointment with a physician is required and AltPharm can assist patients finding a doctor who participates in this system. A week is required for the MMCC to provide a patient number. Product costs vary with the type and quality of cannabis used, yet the most common amounts are measured in grams and cost $10 to $20.
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