WARNER ROBINS, Ga. — On Friday, a Warner Robins pharmacy was the first in the nation to sell medical cannabis at their counter.
According to Botanical Sciences — the company that provides cannabis products to pharmacies — Robins Pharmacy on South Houston Lake Road was the first pharmacy to put the products on their shelves.
"It's just something we never thought we'd be able to do, sell THC from a pharmacy," Robins Pharmacy co-owner Dr. Ankit Patel said,
His pharmacy applied to the state after Georgia became the first in the county to allow medical cannabis sales in pharmacies.
The Georgia General Assembly approved the distribution of low-dose THC oil in 2019. Then last month, Gov. Brian Kemp approved rules passed by the Georgia Board of Pharmacy, giving the green light to pharmacy sales.
"We've had had some customers that have had the medical marijuana card for a long time, but they had nowhere to purchase the products," Patel said.
Medical cannabis is used to ease symptoms caused by a variety of medical conditions. A very common use for it is pain management.
Louise McBride is a regular at the pharmacy, and she was excited to find out she now has the option of getting cannabis products there if her doctor approves it.
"You know I think I need some. I'm not sure, but I have a real bad knee. I have a hard time walking on it," McBride said.
She's not the only one who's asked about it. Patel said they've had multiple people call and stop by in person to ask about the new products.
"Maybe they're not reaching the full potential with traditional pharmaceuticals or they're having more side effects, so now with THC we can actually get patients help," Patel said.
He said to purchase cannabis products from the pharmacy, people need to bring in a medical marijuana card and a valid driver's license.