MEDICAL MARIJUANA DISPENSARY NEW BUSINESS IN VANDERBILT

VANDERBILT - Brad Worde had relied on word-of-mouth to advertise his
newest business venture.

But that hasn't stopped a steady flow of patients from coming into
what is believed to be Otsego County's first medical marijuana
dispensary, which opened its doors one week ago.

Worde, an avid horticulturist, spent a number of years working as a
chef in Europe and the United States and as a wholesaler of
hydroponically grown heirloom tomatoes and lettuce to some of the
finest restaurants in Northern Michigan, including the Grand Hotel on
Mackinac Island.

He can now add the Vanderbilt Holistic Apothecary to his growing resume.

Worde, who himself possesses a Michigan medical marijuana card, the
result of medical issues with leg pain associated from long years on
his feet while employed as a chef, indicated he has a strongly-held
belief in the healing powers of holistic medicine, including the use
of marijuana to regulate pain and help with other medical issues when
conventional prescription drugs don't work or can't be tolerated by a patient.

"We're trying to get people back to a holistic approach to looking at
medicine to manage their pain and illnesses," said Worde, who has
plans to sell hydroponically grown tomatoes, lettuce and medicinal
herbs on-site at the new business, which is located on the south side
of Vanderbilt on Old 27.

A proponent of hydroponic horticulture, Worde uses the hydroponic
process to produce and sell the heirloom tomatoes he raises at his
Noble House Farms outside of Vanderbilt for five months of the year,
despite the short growing season found here in Northern Michigan.

He has used that expertise in hydroponics to serve as "the tech
person," advising medical marijuana caregivers on the art of growing
pot - for medical use - through hydroponics. Worde said the marijuana
he provides for patients visiting his dispensary has, so far, come
from growers in Northern Michigan.

As to the dispensary and what he provides to his patients in need of
pain relief, Worde said no one gets past the front counter without
providing proof of possessing a medical marijuana card.

"This is a patient-to-patient business and we're here to help people
who have tried conventional medical practices without relief," he said.

Worde said he and his manager, Jared Zieris, provide education to
those seeking help by providing information as to how to use
marijuana to relieve pain from "anything from cancer to arthritis.
We're doing a lot of education here," Worde said. "We discuss the
various ways people can use the drug - vaporizers, through edibles or
smoking. It's good for people who have had chemo - it has the added
benefit of helping with their appetite."

"People have been thanking me left and right. This is a legitimate
use of marijuana for patients who have the card," Worde said. "I had
a lady come in who was very, very happy to see us open up here. She
couldn't take any (prescription) drugs and this is helping her. This
is one of the things that helps people. I can see the use and need for it."

Worde said anyone thinking about stopping by after business hours
searching for a "free sample" should think twice. "Our product is not
kept on the premises, when we leave, it leaves, he said, noting the
shop will have security cameras and a security system installed.

Asked if he felt like he was a pioneer - opening the first medical
marijuana dispensary in the county since voters approved the use of
medical marijuana in Michigan more than two years ago, Worde shrugged
off the comparison.

"No, I'm not a pioneer. It's just a matter of common sense. Medicinal
herbs and holistic medicine work. This is just more of what we need here."

The medical marijuana dispensary is currently open Monday-Saturday
from 3-9 p.m.