Step Inside Philadelphia’s First Medical Marijuana Dispensary in Fishtown

Media members (and other invitees) check in for the May 2nd preview ahead of Restore’s official May 30th opening.

Story, photos by Sharon Kozden

Cannabis be true? While never imagining I’d find myself in the vicinity of a medical marijuana dispensary, that’s precisely where my Uber driver deposited me on the evening of May 2nd, when Restore Integrative Wellness Center hosted a VIP preview party to introduce members of the media, politicians and business owners to Philadelphia’s first such “house of well repute” located on Frankford Avenue in Philadelphia’s Fishtown.

Finally and at long last (Governor Wolf signed Senate Bill 3, legalizing medical marijuana in Pennsylvania, on April 17, 2016), Restore was ready and able to open its doors to the public in May 2018. That’s just a little over two years since the bill’s signing. Why the delay? Many reasons, the first of which is said bill’s actual implementation process, a projected 18 to 24 month long effort. Just as Starbucks and other companies use specific methods to determine qualifying locations for their stores, it’s not that different for these dispensaries. Still, location scouting can be challenging in a different way, what with certain logistical issues and rules. Cities such as Philadelphia require that more stringent and in-depth guidelines be followed. No doubt proximity to schools, for example, and other environs in a large city must be considered. Procuring a suitable location could be a uniquely unique labor-intensive prospect.

But all good things came to fruition in Fishtown, and there was nothing like a sneak-preview party to celebrate the victory, one of cumulative efforts undertaken by so many for so long. The VIP check-in hostess was waiting just outside the entrance with clipboard in hand, ensuring whoever was there was supposed to be. The calming vibe began with the building’s façade … slate-grey, sleek, modern and unobtrusive. On entering, a similar lack of excess continued to project peace and harmony. If architecture can be described anthropomorphically, Restore would be the strong and silent type. “Simplify, simplify, simplify,” as Thoreau declared.

The party was in full swing when I arrived. Forget about any munchie references to gallon-sized cheeseball containers or treated brownies. Medical marijuana is an altogether different ballgame. Check your toking, your Cheech and Chong and any other outdated cultural references at the door. Medicinal cannabis is serious business, increasingly garnering more proof of efficacy for a wider variety of conditions. Those suffering from various ailments are, often for the first time, discovering true benefits and long-awaited relief, which applies to both physical and mental-health issues.

Individuals choose medicinal marijuana over more traditional treatment for as many reasons as exist personal preferences. Some favor holistic over pharmacological methods of relief. It was interesting to see the vast array of products at Restore. Some are kosher as well. All were encased in glass and carefully arranged to avoid any cluttered appearance. Soothe, Dream, Breathe, Shine … even the tincture, topical cream, and vaporizable oil names send one into a Zen-like zone.

It was quite an evening at Restore Integrative Wellness Center with a mix of mingling, terrific food and drink and with the owners and experts on hand to inform and educate. We fortunate attendees truly benefitted. Swag bags made of hemp and adorably decorated cookies were graciously presented on departure. The overall experience piqued my curiosity enough to do more intensive research in the hopes of writing an in-depth and reportorial piece. I’m thinking of chronicling one woman’s (me!) attempt at procuring the required medical marijuana card. Prior to this event and in my ignorance, I’d attempted to check out the local dispensary where I live and was met with a locked door and a voice over an intercom asking that I swipe my card. I must say, being “carded” was, in fact, a bit of an ego boost.

For more information, visit restoreiwc.com.

From left, Restore Principal Steven O with his General Manager.