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Government

Medical Marijuana Is Now On Sale in Milan

Matt Stern
Credit https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthewjohnstern?authType=name&authToken=8Xq4 / Matt Stern's Linked In profile photo
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Matt Stern's Linked In profile photo
Matt Stern, owner/operator of Nature's Treatment of Illinois and Pres. of Stern Beverage

A Quad Cities man who's well-known as the head of Stern Beverage in Milan has become an advocate for medical marijuana. Matt Stern and ten employees now sell cannabis products at his new store, Nature's Treatment of Illinois.

On today's WVIK News Focus, Michelle O'Neill talks with Stern about his new business and how it can help patients.

Sidebar

Patients with certain illnesses no longer have to leave Illinois or find a drug dealer to buy marijuana. Local businessman, Matt Stern, owns and operates a state-approved medical marijuana dispensary in Milan.

Stern says Nature's Treatement of Illinois opened last week with limited hours and helped 29 patients buy medical marijuana. But starting today, it's open weekdays from 9 a.m. until 7 p.m., and Saturdays until 3. Currently ten employees work there, but as demand increases, he'll hire more.

Stern1.mp3
Some workers have personal experience using medical marijuana, for example cancer. They understand and can help people decide what's best for them. That's my approach for the sales team.

The dispensary's lobby is open to the public for anyone to learn about the state pilot program. Staff can answer questions about eligibility, and help customers apply for medical cannabis cards.

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A security guard checks customer's cards, then staff helps them and discusses the best product for them.

Currently, customers must pay cash according to the state's rules. Stern says the transactions are completed using computer software that's monitored by the state. And, 29 cameras are located on site.

Nature's Treatment has bought medical marijuana from four state-approved cultivation centers, including Green Thumb Industries, or GTI, in southwest Rock Island. Eventually, Stern hopes to buy marijuana products from all 20 of the growing centers in Illinois. That way the store can offer more varieties to fit the needs of its customers. 

Officially, Michelle's title for 28 years was WVIK News Editor. She did everything there is to do in the newsroom and whatever was needed around the radio station. She also served as Acting News Director from September 2023 - January 2024.
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