UPDATE: The opening of Herbal Alchemy Dispensary in Hernando has been postponed. Originally scheduled to launch on Monday, January 9, the store at 3016 Highway 51 South is experiencing delays, as stated in a recent post on the store’s Facebook page.
According to initial reports, the January 9 opening may not occur due to regulatory procedures. State revenue officials are responsible for determining the opening timeline for medical cannabis dispensaries, and as of now, no official date has been announced.
First Medical Cannabis Dispensary in North Mississippi
HERNANDO, Dec. 29 – Herbal Alchemy LLC is set to introduce the first medical cannabis dispensary in DeSoto County, marking a significant milestone for North Mississippi. Located at 3016 Highway 51 South, owner Elizabeth Barnett indicated plans to begin dispensing medical cannabis on January 9, provided all necessary preparations are complete.
“We’ve received numerous inquiries asking when we’ll open and when the product will be available,” Barnett stated. “We’re thrilled to hear that the product is being sent to the lab and are planning to open on the 9th if everything is on track.”
Herbal Alchemy LLC is made possible by the legislative efforts of the Mississippi Legislature and Governor Tate Reeves, who signed a bill allowing the manufacturing, distributing, and dispensing of medical cannabis. The final approval of the Mississippi Medical Cannabis Act occurred in late January, with the legislation sponsored by state Sen. Kevin Blackwell (R-Southaven), formally established to create a medical cannabis program.
Patients utilizing medical cannabis endorse its availability for treating various disorders. Barnett clarified that only licensed users with a physician’s prescription will be eligible to purchase products from Herbal Alchemy LLC. “Our products will be accessible solely to state-licensed individuals,” she explained. “The licensing process involves a visit to your doctor for a prescription, followed by completing a form on the portal. It typically takes about 30 days to receive a license, after which you can visit us.”
Her staff is trained to help customers select what they need. “We’ll have a team member at the entrance to verify ID and confirm the validity of licenses,” Barnett noted. “Once inside, our staff will guide you, especially for those who may not know what’s available.”
Extensive training has prepared Barnett and her team to assist customers effectively. “We underwent significant training before receiving our permit,” she said. “Our goal is to provide knowledgeable support to those unfamiliar with the products while ensuring excellent customer service.”
Although the projected opening date is January 9, city officials and the Hernando Main Street Chamber of Commerce held a ribbon-cutting event on December 29, highlighting the community’s anticipation surrounding this development.
