Treevana Powered by Sanctuary opened its doors Sept. 9 at 3015 Heritage Place NE, located beside the former roller-skating rink in Baldwin County.
Treevana is a state-licensed medical cannabis facility that aims to educate on and make low-THC products more accessible for patients across Georgia.
“It is a holistic medicine, and we are here to educate and change the perception around it,” said Treevana’s Joanna Howell.
Howell is from Gray and will serve as the local wellness advisor. She will meet with patients, ensure people can legally purchase products, hold consultations to discuss symptoms and problems, and then recommend appropriate products.
Regional Manager Katrina Redd has lived in Milledgeville for two years after moving from Greensboro. Both Howell and Redd are new to the medical cannabis industry after working in service roles for multiple years.
“We began training last week and we are fully capable and ready to help the people of Milledgeville and surrounding areas,” said Redd. “I took the position because I wanted to know more about the medical aspects. I think it can do a lot of good for people.” Treevana provides edibles and tinctures, including hybrid capsules, gels, and eight tinctures, which are medicines made of a substance dissolved in an alcohol solution. Additionally, Treevana will be the first medical cannabis facility in Georgia to provide chocolates, though not yet listed for purchase.
“All of our products are grown here in our facility. Both Georgia and Florida (where another facility is located) are vertically integrated states (meaning in control of the entire supply chain),” said Treevana General Manager Jim Frazier.
According to the Georgia Department of Public Health, physicians certify and manage patients who have a qualifying condition to obtain low-THC oil legally. Physician certification is the only way for patients and their caregivers to access low-THC oil in the state. If approved, patients will receive a card that certifies them statewide to buy THC products from licensed medical cannabis facilities.
To learn more about conditions that may qualify patients for Treevana’s services visit dph.georgia.gov/ low-thc-oil-registry.
“Every patient is [required] to have their license and card with them in-person to undergo a consultation and purchase anything,” said Frazier. “All of our products are kept safely away from the public to ensure only those certified can have access.”
The Georgia Access to Medical Cannabis Commission also conducts monthly inspections to ensure facilities meet requirements and are functioning legally. Though Frazier lives in Florida, he stated he leads these inspections and that GMCC can also see records and other important documents outside of these in-person visits at any time.
“I’ve been in the industry for over a decade and I’m looking forward to partnering with local medical institutions to educate on what we do,” said Frazier. “There may be a lot of bad perceptions and that is why we have a goal to be involved in the community, with the Chamber of Commerce, and with medical partners to make connections and answer questions.”
The Milledgeville facility currently has 10 employees and is open 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Tuesday to Saturday. To learn more about Treevana Powered by Sanctuary and its products visit treevanamedcannabis. com.