In this current political environment, where regulations and laws vary from one state to the next, there is certain to be a number of people who do not yet understand what a medical marijuana cooperative offers those for which it is intended. Given that some state laws are in the process of changing, there needs to be a greater level of understanding about the nature and practices of medical marijuana cooperatives and, as they are often known, dispensaries.

First and foremost, if you live in an area of the country where the cultivation and possession of medical-use marijuana is allowable by state law, your medical marijuana cooperative is a group or dispensary that provides its co-op member-patients with plant-based medicinals that stem from preparation of the cannabis plant.

Cannabis, by the way, is a flowering plant that produces the two most common varieties of medicinal marijuana, Sativa and Indica. You can read more about the difference in the two varieties by clicking here.

The history of traditional dispensaries or pharmacies dates all the way back to Ancient Mesopotamia, where, interestingly enough, they were regulated by the state. These types of dispensaries offered plant-based medicinals and other preparations and were considered a great value to the people they served and to the state as well. Each dispensary was staffed by knowledgeable individuals (read: pharmacist) and assistants who were well-versed in the properties and dosages of their products – as related to the ills and infirmities of the people they served. And although many centuries have passed since the earliest dispensaries or pharmacies appeared in the Middle East, India, China, and Egypt, the role of the dispensary has changed very little over time. Those with ailments have traditionally sought the advice of a doctor who, in turn, has recommended a preparation of some sort (usually plant-based) to ease their discomfort and lessen the side-effects until the body is able to fully recuperate.

Unlike traditional medicinal dispensaries, your local medical marijuana dispensary is a resource for marijuana-based preparations specifically. Where traditional dispensaries and pharmacies offer a number of products and medicines that are used to treat a wide assortment of problems and maladies, your medical marijuana dispensary offers only one area of specialization. And for those suffering from pain and discomfort associated with Alzheimer’s Disease, HIV/AIDS, Arthritis, Cancer, Crohn’s Disease, Glaucoma, Multiple Sclerosis, or other debilitating afflictions, the medical marijuana cooperative and dispensary is often the only resource they have to combat some of the side effects of their ailments (or treatments thereof).

In California, the P.R. Collective, a San Pedro medical marijuana dispensary is one such cooperative. Also known as PRC, this dispensary offers medical marijuana in the Indica and Sativa varieties (as well as some hybrids), edibles, concentrates, and tinctures. As a San Pedro medical marijuana dispensary with a base of member-patients, the PRC is dedicated to promoting active co-op memberships with legally-recognized medical marijuana patients. Much like the dispensaries of the ancient times, the PRC is also working toward building a stronger, more educated alternative treatment community.

The PRC Medical Marijuana blog articles are meant for informational purposes only and are not a substitute for actual medical advice. PRC is a San Pedro medical marijuana dispensary that serves patients in the South Bay, Rancho Palos Verdes, Rolling Hills Estates, Harbor City, Wilmington, and Palos Verdes Estates areas. All new patients are required to call or come in 24 hours in advance of their first visit. You may phone (310) 832-2420 between 9am and 8pm every day.