A VENTURE BORN FROM NAUSEA AND PAIN

Tim Smale's quest for migraine relief led to marijuana, which he's now
dispensing in Maine.

Tim and Jennifer Smale have built and run businesses before.

But their newest venture is more personal.

Tim Smale, a former competitive swimmer with a master's degree in
business administration, developed severe migraine headaches in his
mid-20s. He said he tried various prescription drugs, but gave up
because of side effects and the risk of addiction.

In 2004, he said, he discovered what he says is a safer, better
treatment for the pain and nausea: marijuana.

Smale eventually put his MBA to work in the medical marijuana
industry, serving as general manager of an Oakland-based consulting
firm called CannBe that helped launch dispensaries in California. The
business is affiliated with Harborside Treatment Center, Oakland's
biggest dispensary.

When Maine voters enacted a law last November allowing dispensaries
for the first time, the couple saw a new opportunity. Jennifer Smale
is a Yarmouth native and the couple already owned a home in Vienna.

The Smales moved back to Maine and were awarded a state license to
open a dispensary -- the Remedy Compassion Center -- in the Auburn
area. They also hope to be granted a license to operate a York County
dispensary.

Smale said he will use his experience with dispensaries in northern
California, but also plans to modify the business to fit Maine's more
rural culture and its unique set of rules.

"I think there are lots of eyes all over the country watching what's
happening here," Smale said. "We wanted to run one and run one very
well. We know the business from the inside out."