NEW DOWNTOWN BUSINESS'S GRAND OPENING IS MONDAY

Rich Present and Drew McNeil wanted to be on a main highway out in the
open when they started up their medical marijuana dispensary.

And they wanted the dispensary to be part of a wellness center that
also offers alternative medicine.

Present and McNeil opened Natures Medicine April 10 in the former
Circle Moon Coffee House building, 843 N. Cleveland Ave.

This particular location on (U.S.) 287, you can't beat it," said
Present, Greeley resident and co-owner of the center with McNeil of
Loveland.

Inside, there are hardwood floors, large windows and a wood countertop
for greeting guests.

It's just the warmth of the building. The people here, we're all part
of a family," McNeil said.

Natures Medicine offers different types of massage, hydrotherapy,
aromatherapy and acupuncture (in August when an acupuncturist joins
the staff), along with a variety of herbs and supplements and a
meditation room that is open free to the public.

Massage is just like a workout. It gets toxins out of the body and
loosens muscles and ligaments," said Katie Johnson, a massage
therapist and certified nursing assistant at Natures Medicine. "It
promotes healing on a cellular and energetic level."

Johnson also provides nursing services, such as home shopping and
transportation, to help those patients needing extra help, she said.

We're here for safe, affordable access," Present said. "We're here to
stop the overpricing of mainstream medicine."

Since opening, Natures Medicine has had more than 100 patients come in
for services, Present said. Several supplied a list of the medications
they take, complaining of the side effects, or lacked health insurance
from having pre-existing conditions, he said.

They can't believe that something like this has finally come, and they
have a place that's safe," Present said.

Natures Medicine is a resource for patients with serious health
problems, such as cancer, chronic pain or fibromyalgia, who are
looking for an alternative in health care with medical marijuana
and/or alternative medicine, Present said.

Holistic medicine means wellness and health," Johnson
said.

The logo for Natures Medicine is the Chinese symbol for the marijuana
plant, translated mother plant or da-ma. Underneath the logo are the
words, "Feeling better since 2737 B.C.," when the Chinese started
using it for medical purposes.

The state of Colorado, along with 13 other states, allows medical
marijuana to be used by registered patients, Present said.

It's becoming less of a stereotype here. People understand the real
medical value," Present said.

Present and McNeil are registered medical marijuana cardholders, along
with the rest of the staff, and use it for their various forms of
chronic pain. The only side effects from using the marijuana, they
said, are tiredness and increased appetite.

Present was involved in a rollover truck accident in 1989 when he was
18 years old and broke the major nerves in his left arm and lost some
of his bone and muscle tissue, causing his arm to become two inches
shorter.

Medical marijuana is amazing. Without it, (my hand) would lock up,"
Present said.

McNeil played sports and worked in construction for several years,
sustaining several injuries that caused knee and back problems, he
said.

Drew said he was a bull and hard on his body, later wishing he had
maintained his health over time.

Present is a registered caregiver and grows medical marijuana in his
home for patients with a card.

Medical marijuana is great for pain management," Present said.
"Medical marijuana is grown with the patient in mind. Street marijuana
is grown with the intent of making pure money. The dealer on the
street wants you to come back."

The Loveland Police Department has not received any complaints about
Natures Medicine selling medical marijuana, said Sgt. Benjamin Hurr,
public information officer.

However, if problems arise or neighbors complain, the police will
patrol the business, he said.

The only people who will be able to purchase medical marijuana from
that business are those that have a prescription for it," Hurr said.
"Right now, it seems to be working fine."