Denver native, Carlos G. Dorrance III, has only been working with the Pure Medical Dispensary since January of this year. Although new to the MMJ scene, what he brings to Pure Medical is pure Carlos and he does it with a deep love and respect for the flower and for the patients he encounters.

Pride, not prejudice

Carlos entered the ganja gambit after realizing there was a need for people to find an alternative way to medicate themselves naturally versus taking prescription narcotics, many of which are highly addicting.

In contrast to the typical medicine cabinet fare, Carlos says, “The Cannabis flower provides numerous medicinal purposes with over 80 cannabinoids; CBD being one which helps with reducing pain and inflammation. It also helps with psychiatric and neurological disorders and eating and digestive disorders, respectively. It’s a great medication for many people.”

For those who mistakenly assume dispensary folk are little more than “potheads” and “peace-nicks”, Carlos would like to put that stereotype to rest stressing, “Those are blanket statements; merely derogatory connotations toward an industry that still holds a lot of mystery to a lot of people. Mystery can breed fear, but the reality is, we have people of all walks of life at Pure. Each person brings their own unique and individual knowledge to alternative medicine with one primary goal: providing care to the patient.”

In other words, he says he considers himself more a “flower connoisseur” than a pothead and his work is a labor of love, in which he takes a lot of pride.

Even his family has given him the green light on his career.

And it’s personal

For Carlos, cannabis wasn’t just some recreational drug to “get high.” At the age of 16 he was diagnosed with early stage Open Angle Glaucoma (OAG). Through research he found cannabis could ease intraocular pressure (IOP) to help manage the discomfort. He didn’t like the unpleasant side-effects of the medication he had been prescribed, so he had a need for weed.

In his search to find quality MMJ to treat his OAG, he found Pure Medical. Pure’s approach to business is what inevitably drew him to seek employment with the company.

Patients want to feel safe knowing they are in a secure, nonjudgmental environment. They also want to know that their Budtenders understand their needs and are knowledgeable in treating them.

Being a patient himself, Carlos understands this and says, “It is satisfying when you know you are helping people cure or manage health issues naturally. It’s truly rewarding, especially when a patient first comes in and then returns letting me know that this beautiful flower is turning their health around.”

Knock-knock

As the state and its residents transition into this new realm of ragweedery, I wondered if Carlos or Pure Medical had experienced any harassment issues from neighborhood residents and business owners or from local or federal officials.

It’s a fluid environment and Carlos admits, “I have had questions and comments regarding the nature of our business. These questions are handled as they occur in a professional and polite manner. We welcome questions by our neighbors because we want everyone to know we are running a legitimate business with honest, hard-working employees that adhere to all of the laws set forth by the state.”

Regarding any crime or vandalism issues, Carlos assures us that hasn’t been a problem. “We have a security system in place for the safety of our patients, our staff, and our products. These measures are also security for the neighborhood. Safety is always a top priority for Pure Medical.”

Jumping through hoops

With new pot laws soon coming into effect, the industry and its people are gearing up for a deluge. Carlos expects high volume traffic from residents and nonresidents alike. “I think for the first couple of months it will get hectic, but being prepared and being knowledgeable about all of the rules and regulations will help make the transition easier.”

In reviewing these upcoming laws, Carlos realizes there will still be hoops to jump through, but quells any concerns by saying, “I think we are at the forefront of an industry that promises substantial growth. We are excited for what recreational use has in store for us and for our state’s economy. We are prepared for increased sales from both medicinal and recreational users and anticipate the continued evolution of the laws (and the industry) in the years to come.”

Who’s on 3rd?

Carlos, like most ganja groupies, watches as legislation is introduced, reworked, reworded and then reintroduced in states across the country. When I asked “who’s next?” to legalize, Carlos was quick to answer, “New York! The NY State Assembly passed a Bill that would legalize MMJ. The Bill is now waiting a vote by the Senate. I hope a lot more states will adopt the mindset and embrace the benefits and potential of cannabis like the people of Colorado and Washington State have. Our progressive way of thinking has established a new and improved means of obtaining your medicine and decriminalizing its use. Every patient that enters any of Pure’s three facilities feels truly cared for, valued and respected.”

He adds, “Our motto is, ‘Life doesn’t have to hurt,’ and it doesn’t.”

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