Plant Family Therapeutics is poised to become a leading provider of natural wellness solutions in Mountain Home, North Arkansas, with its new dispensary currently under construction at 5172 Highway 62 E. Having secured an impressive dispensary score in North Arkansas’s Zone 2, Plant Family Therapeutics is aiming to open its doors by the end of summer, offering a patient-centered approach to medical cannabis.
The ownership of Plant Family Therapeutics brings together a diverse group of professionals dedicated to patient well-being. Clint Mickle, holding a Master’s in Public Health and a 30 percent stake, is joined by James Compton (40 percent), and healthcare experts including Conway neurologist Dr. Keith Schluterman (5 percent), Fort Smith optometrist Dr. Adam Schluterman (5 percent). Local business owners Jeff and Linda McAnally of M & M Landscape and Lawn also contribute with 5 and 15 percent stakes respectively, adding community-rooted business acumen to the venture.
Driven by a commitment to offer alternatives to conventional pharmaceuticals, Mickle articulated his motivation, stating, “I watched the opioid epidemic take hold over the last decade and saw patients struggling with chronic illnesses and diseases with no other options than synthetic pharmaceuticals. These opioids can become highly addictive, leading to a cascade of problems, including overdose. Research indicates that cannabis presents itself as a natural alternative to these synthetic options, without the same addictive potential.” This philosophy underpins Plant Family Therapeutics’ mission to provide therapeutic cannabis options for those seeking natural relief.
Construction is underway at the new facility, with excavation and groundwork progressing. Minor blueprint adjustments are being implemented to enhance operational efficiency, ensuring a smooth and effective patient experience. Plant Family Therapeutics has also been granted the approval to cultivate a limited amount of marijuana, allowing for up to 50 mature plants and 100 in a vegetative state. Initially, the focus will be on supplying their own dispensary, but future market developments may lead to broader distribution strategies.
While the specific cannabis strains to be offered will depend on cultivator availability, Plant Family Therapeutics is committed to providing a comprehensive selection. Mickle emphasized the importance of a “wide enough [strain] selection to meet the needs of all the qualifying conditions,” ensuring that patients with diverse medical needs have access to appropriate therapeutic options.
Beyond cannabis flower, Plant Family Therapeutics aims to offer a diverse product range. “Our goal would certainly be to have tinctures, transdermals, edibles, lozenges and a lot of alternative options to inhaling the product,” Mickle explained. Recognizing that a significant portion of their patient base may be new to cannabis, particularly seniors, offering varied consumption methods is a priority to ensure patient comfort and accessibility.
Operating hours for dispensaries in Arkansas can extend from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily. Plant Family Therapeutics plans to initially adopt more conservative hours, with adjustments made as the patient base grows and demands evolve.
Reflecting on the application process, Mickle acknowledged its rigor, noting it was an “enormous amount of work.” However, he praised the state’s approach, stating, “I think [the state] did a good job of setting up criteria that filtered the people most qualified to work in this industry.” He further highlighted the zoning strategy, which “worked in patients’ interest,” ensuring statewide access to medical cannabis without requiring travel to major cities. Despite the lengthy process, Mickle believes the state’s diligent approach will lead to a responsible and effective medical cannabis industry in Arkansas.
Security is paramount at Plant Family Therapeutics. Mickle detailed that “basically every inch” of the facility will be under camera surveillance. Upon arrival, patients will be required to present identification for database verification to manage purchase limits. Following verification, patients will enter the “display area” where they can consult with knowledgeable dispensary consultants to discuss treatment options and product selection, ensuring a personalized and informed experience.
Plant Family Therapeutics is deeply committed to understanding and meeting the needs of its patient community. “We’re looking forward to helping people that haven’t found better options out there,” Mickle stated. “And to just being a positive contributor in the community. There’s a negative connotation or perception, I think, around this product and this industry, and we want to work to change some of those misconceptions by running a first-class facility that helps the community with philanthropic efforts but also benefits people in need. Having this option out there, from a societal standpoint, is compassion at it’s finest.”
Michael Lunsford has been appointed as Executive Director, and Plant Family Therapeutics has commenced hiring for various roles, including horticulture support, extraction, clinical staff, and a registered nurse to oversee clinical affairs. Individuals interested in joining the Plant Family Therapeutics team can submit resumes to [email protected] or via their Facebook page for consideration in this burgeoning field of plant family therapeutics.
