Pubdate: Thu, 04 Sep 2014
Source: Tucson Weekly (AZ)
Copyright: 2014 Tucson Weekly
Contact:  http://www.tucsonweekly.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/462
Author: Chris Flora

SMALL-TOWN FEELING

Prime Leaf Offers a Feeling of Home to Local Card-Holders

It's no mystery that word of mouth is a powerful marketing tool, and 
when it comes to the medical marijuana industry, more and more 
cardholders are saying The Prime Leaf is the place to be.

Patients enter the spacious, well-lit lobby of 4120 E. Speedway where 
they are greeted and seated. Local art lines the walls, a television 
plays, and magazines can be read.

It's a soothing atmosphere such as that of a doctor or dental office.

"We want everyone that comes in here to feel comfortable," said 
General Manager Jose Avila. "We are a nice, inviting place, and there 
is no need to feel ashamed when walking in. We are all professionals 
and we are here to help."

A patient consultant leads the customer into the product room, where 
an attractive array of jarred strains await including several 
indicas, good for chronic pain, anxiety, and sleep disorders, which 
are some of the most common qualifying conditions for patients.

Typically, there are about 15-18 strains available to choose from, 
all of which come from state-licensed growers, which Avila said is a perk.

"Because we don't have our own grow, we are not dictated by it," said 
Avila. "We are able to go state-wide to find the right medicine for 
the right patients-not simply what is most cost effective for us."

Those preferring edible options will find them on display as well. 
Chocolate bars, fruit bars, cookies, and vegan options are just a few 
of the more than 30 edibles inventoried.

For new customers, patient consultants are well-trained in helping 
determine the best strain to treat ailments that can range from 
cancer to Crohn's disease to epilepsy.

Existing customers will have already had their past experiences 
documented to create seamless follow-up visits.

"We note what hasn't worked, what has worked, and what has worked 
well," said Avila. "We want to make sure they are better off when 
they leave than when they came in."

To accomplish that feat, patient consultants receive continuous 
on-the-job training and educating. New consultants shadow for a month 
before they begin treating patients.

The staff of The Prime Leaf is small-as is the small-town feeling the 
shop presents.

"We went the corporate route for a while, but our customers dictated 
that they liked the smaller feeling," said Avila. "Tucson is a 
tight-knit community, and people like the fact that the shop feels 
like Tucson."

Beyond the product room is a state-licensed kitchen, where The Prime 
Leaf will soon create its own edibles.

A back office monitor shows the dozens of security cameras monitoring 
the shop. An external company is constantly surveilling the facility.

"People should feel safe coming into our shop," said Avila. "We know 
that the marijuana industry before it became legal was one where a 
drug dealer might take advantage of someone buying marijuana. We are 
aiming to change the perspective on marijuana, and that is valuable."

Avila, who spent years in the banking industry before taking over the 
management position at The Prime Leaf, said while the industry is 
still finding its feet, the rewards have been far more immediate.

"It's seeing people actually get better and improve," he said. "We 
have a lot of terminally ill people come in. One man had six months 
to live and he was on such strong medication he couldn't eat, so he 
had no energy to play with his grandchildren. We start helping him 
out, and the next thing you know, he comes in, he's walking up the 
steps, and he's happy. That's the reward."

Prime Leaf offers a number of discounts to its patrons, including 15 
percent off for disabled or military veterans, and 10 percent off for 
students with a valid student ID.

More information about The Prime Leaf can be found at 
www.theprimeleaf.com, on the company's Facebook page at 
facebook.com/theprimeleaf, or by calling 207-2753.

The Prime Leaf is open from 9 a.m.  7 p.m. seven days per week.
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MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom