Medical marijuana outlets proliferating in Leon County

A medical marijuana dispensary on Capital Circle SE.
Photo courtesy Samuel Williams

It seems that Tallahassee is turning over a new leaf for the medical marijuana industry.
More than 10 independent medical marijuana companies operate within Tallahassee,
with multiple locations throughout Leon County. The number of businesses is still
growing, and the presence of various medical marijuana firms are having an impact in
the community.

Florida-based medical marijuana company, Trulieve, has seen prominent growth over
the last year, boasting as Florida’s number one dispensary. Regardless of the
company’s size, Trulieve is also influencing opportunities for Leon County residents.

Chris Hollis is a veteran employee at Trulieve who has worked for the Gadsden County-
based company for three years. Hollis said the company creates a dynamic
environment for both patients and employees.

“It’s pretty gnarly,” Hollis said. “[Trulieve] creates jobs and a lot of tax revenue for the
state, so I consider it very beneficial.”

Hollis agreed that the market for medical marijuana dispensaries has dramatically
increased over his time with Trulieve.

“I think it is getting kind of excessive,” Hollis said. “As long as the patients get quality
products and [the companies] don’t beat around the bush, I am confident we will be
recreational soon.”

Chris Sellers is a Leon County resident and an avid medical marijuana patient and
advocate.

Sellers insists that the medical marijuana industry is essential for patients and
businesses alike.

“You have more opportunities in every place,” Sellers said. “I think the county welcomes
the introduction of medical marijuana and to be honest, everyone is just plain friendly
about it.”

According to a study done by the Rand Corporation, a non-profit, young adults who live
near medical marijuana dispensaries use marijuana more often and have more positive
views regarding cannabis.

“Our findings suggest that as the marijuana retail outlets become more visible and more
numerous, they may influence the way that young adults perceive and use marijuana,”
reports Rand.

With various cannabis options such as CBD and Delta-8 being readily available at
numbers shops and gas stations, many different medical marijuana options are being
introduced not only to medical patients, but to the community as a whole. It would seem
the presence of medical marijuana is generally accepted by Leon County and its
residents and continues to create a foothold throughout the greater Tallahassee area. It
is correct to infer that marijuana, cannabis, and its overarching products and properties,
will continue to stay very present locally.