In the aftermath of the devastating wildfires that swept through Lahaina, many businesses are grappling with how to move forward and support the local community. One such business, Maui Grown Therapies, has decided to offer reduced pricing at its remaining locations as a gesture of goodwill and solidarity with the Maui residents affected by the catastrophe.
Established in August 2017, Maui Grown Therapies holds the distinction of opening Hawaii's very first state-licensed medical cannabis dispensary. This achievement bridged a 17-year gap, as patients in Hawaii had been granted the right to use medical marijuana since 2000 but lacked an official vendor.
In its initial phase, the dispensary operated on an appointment-only basis, selling medical marijuana at varying prices depending on the strain. At the time, Teri Freitas Gorman, the director of community relations and patient affairs at the time, exclaimed, "Clearly, this is a historic day not just for Maui but for the state of Hawaii." And indeed, it was a groundbreaking moment in the state's history, signaling a long-awaited shift in medical cannabis accessibility.
Fast forward to 2021, and as part of its continued commitment to expanding accessibility to medical marijuana across Hawaii, Maui Grown Therapies took a strategic leap by opening another dispensary in Lahaina. This move was emblematic of the growing demand for medical cannabis in the state, as underscored by the substantial figure of 31,853 registered medical cannabis patients in Hawaii by the end of February 2021.
However, despite the promising outlook, fate had a different plan. The recent wildfires that raged through Lahaina claimed several structures, including Maui Grown Therapies' dispensary. While this physical presence was short-lived due to the devastating fires, the company's dedication to its mission and the community it serves remains resolute.
In the wake of the tragic loss, Maui Grown Therapies chose to rise from the ashes with an unwavering spirit. Instead of focusing solely on their setbacks, the company shifted its gaze to the broader Lahaina community, many of whom were grappling with the aftermath of the fires.
As a testament to their community-driven ethos, Maui Grown Therapies has decided to reduce prices at its other locations, aiming to ensure that medical cannabis remains accessible to those in need during these challenging times.
From its inception in 2017 to its expansion in 2021, and now its response to the wildfires, Maui Grown Therapies continues to exemplify the spirit of 'Aloha' – showing compassion, understanding, and unity.
While the road to recovery post-wildfires will be long and challenging, it is heartwarming to see businesses like Maui Grown Therapies step up and provide relief in any way they can. Their decision to reduce prices might seem like a simple gesture to some, but for those relying on medical cannabis, it's a significant act of community support.
For those interested in learning more about the company, their products, or their initiatives, you can visit their official website at Maui Grown Therapies.