Arizona Children’s Hospital accepts a donation from the pharmacy

Money from cannabis is just as green as money from any other industry, one company has proven. A leading Arizona pharmacy collects monthly donations and made a successful donation to a children’s hospital last month.

Flagstaff Business News reports that GreenPharms raised funds for Phoenix Children’s Hospital in its last month of fundraising, becoming the first cannabis company the hospital has ever partnered with.

Marie Saloum, owner of GreenPharms pharmacies, told local media that the project was a bit personal for her. “The work and dedication that Phoenix Children’s Hospital brings to the community is incredible,” said Saloum. “About two years ago my girlfriend’s child was hospitalized and the care and treatment he received saved his life.”

Current patrons can also do their part to help children in need. GreenPharms is offering a $10 internal pre-roll to anyone who donates at least $5 to benefit Phoenix Children’s Hospital.

All proceeds donated by GreenPharms to Phoenix Children’s Hospital will help save the lives of children, reports Flagstaff Business News.

Why is this significant? Because donations from cannabis companies are routinely turned down by various entities in several states — including organizations associated with children’s hospitals. Forbes reported in 2019 that donations from things like Organa Brands were quickly turned down by charities like Wounded Warriors and the Children’s Hospital Foundation.

AZ Big Media reports that GreenPharms is a “deli-style” dispensary established in 2013, with a large hybrid growing facility and an on-site extraction lab. GreenPharms has received numerous Cannabis Industry Awards as well as local accolades such as the New Times Best of Phoenix Winner. GreenPharms has a location in Mesa and another in Flagstaff.

While Arizona Department of Revenue data reported cannabis sales have fallen to $115 million, a low mark, the market there remains a billion-dollar industry and is projected to have a market value of $70.6 billion has research watch.

To donate, visit the GreenPharms pharmacy at Flagstaff, 7121 US-89, Flagstaff, or at Mesa, 235 E Hampton Ave #115.

Other pharmacies give back

It brings to light other creative ways that pharmacies give back to hospitals or similar institutions. The Walled Lake, Michigan Greenhouse made its own fundraising program available by giving away a free pre-roll to patrons who showed they had donated blood. Owner Jerry Millen collaborated with UBaked Cannabis Edibles of Burton, Mighican on the Pot for Plasma promotion.

This particular program was made possible because the American Red Cross does not prevent people who smoke weed from donating blood or plasma.

Some fundraising programs don’t always go as planned, and sometimes losing favor when achieving nonprofit status is just too much to worry about. In other cases, there is a conflict of interest.

DARE America, for example, not only refused a donation from a cannabis company, but issued a press release distancing itself from the company. The company has an “absolute policy of never accepting donations from any company, corporation or individual whose primary source of income is from the production and/or sale of alcohol, tobacco, vape products or cannabis.”

But the link between hospitals and cannabis is fast closing in some states. In California, medical cannabis is partially allowed in hospitals. Governor Gavin Newsom signed legislation last year allowing the use of medicinal cannabis products in hospitals and other legitimate healthcare facilities.

NORML reports that Senate Bill 311, or Ryan’s Law, “provides for the use of medicinal cannabis by a terminally ill patient inside [a] Hospital.”

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