High n’ Seek: Discovering the Athens Dispensaries
Photo via Dani Kingston/Athens County Independent
On November 7, 2023, Ohio voted to pass Issue 2, the legalization of recreational marijuana. As we have transitioned over the past year, recreational dispensaries are opening across Ohio. Here in Athens, there are many resources to purchase these cannabis products, but understanding the safety and legality of purchases requires evaluating available information. To ensure that transactions are secure and legal, relevant details must be reviewed, and the sellers' credibility has been verified.
Facts & Info:
The legalization of recreational marijuana is beneficial for some, but it is important to stay up to date on the newest insights and studies. Educating oneself in the realm of recreational marijuana is very important. If someone is new to the world of cannabis, here are some helpful first-timer insights.
In most cases, purchasing cannabis from a dispensary requires a medical ID. To obtain an ID card in Ohio, people must be 18 years old, have a qualifying condition, have proof of residency, and meet with a qualified Medical Marijuana Card doctor. Once someone has their card, they will gain the legal rights and benefits stated in Ohio’s medical marijuana laws.
The term cannabis is loosely used to describe the actual plant. Many different cannabinoids and plant parts exist within the plant that can be consumed. THC is the naturally occurring ingredient in cannabis that causes the "high" sensation, it is a psychoactive substance that can alter your mood, perception of time, and enhance your senses. CBD, on the other hand, does not cause a "high," but rather promotes relaxation and can be used in medical settings to treat pain, nausea, and insomnia.
Knowing what kind of consumption is enjoyed, and what strain of cannabis is preferred, is also important before indulging. The most well-known strains include Sativa, Indica, and Hybrids (blended with both strains). Each serves different effects; Sativa is geared towards creativity and motivation, and Indica is for relaxation and calmness. The most common ways to use cannabis for consumption include smoking the flower as well as vape cartridges, edibles, concentrates, and even beverages. It is also important to start small and slowly go from there.
Local options:
In Athens, the resources are endless with a number of outlets to obtain the newly-legalized marijuana. There are a pair of locations accessible to students with more in the surrounding area.
Starting on Court Street, Buddy’s Lounge is a “different kind of bar,” allowing 18 and up adults to purchase THC and CBD products compliant with the Federal Farm Bill. They have three locations in three states: Ohio, Pennsylvania and West Virginia. Buddy’s is unique, creating a comfortable lounge environment where patrons can have fun, play games, relax, and enjoy time away from their busy school or work schedules. Buddy’s states they “cater to people’s need for a place to obtain clean, safe and legal cannabis-derived products.”
Outside of Court Street, on West Union Street, Mavuno Dispensary is the first Black woman-owned cannabis company in Ohio. It started with a commitment to social justice and cultural values. Ariane Kirkpatrick, CEO, and Amonica Davis, COO (Ariane’s sister), are “paving the way for a diverse and inclusive workforce and supply chain in the cannabis industry.”
Mavuno offers diverse cannabis products to meet any customer’s needs. The owners also state that they contribute to their state and local economies and embrace the new changes surrounding the cannabis industry. However, unlike Buddy’s Lounge, Mavuno requires a medical card for purchases at their shop.
Ariane and Amonica use informative and educational research to effectively reach their audience. Mavuno states they “empower customers and other curious individuals, through education and resources, to make informed decisions regarding cannabis and to navigate its evolving landscape.” Their website includes a diverse spotlight on Black-owned local businesses, as well as sections specified on health and wellness that provide helpful insights into the usage of their products.
Mavuno’s website also gives great resources for Health and Wellness, Diverse Businesses, and Community Insights. In addition, they have been credited by big names in the media such as CNN, The Columbus Dispatch, and ABC News Cleveland.
Ohio became the 24th state to legalize recreational marijuana, and since then, dispensaries have been opened all across the state. Buddy’s Lounge and Mavuno are the two facilities closest to Uptown Athens, but they are the tips of the iceberg. With the legalization, the emphasis shifts from discouraging the use of marijuana to making sure safety is ensured in the procurement of it.