New marijuana lounge to open in Kingstown

Persons with medicinal cannabis patient identification cards will be able, from this Friday October 20, to purchase and use medicinal cannabis and marijuana infused drinks at a safe space in Kingstown.

This, as entrepreneur Marcia Deane-Clarke, will officially open “Therapy” (restaurant and lounge) and “Greenhouse Café at Therapy” (Cannabis consumption lounge) at the Kingstown Cruise Terminal.

The businesses have taken the space formerly known as “Melting Pot”.

Deane-Clarke told SEARCHLIGHT on Monday that it has always been her dream to operate a space like this one and she decided to pursue the venture at this point as persons have been asking for a location in Kingstown to make it more convenient for them to access their medicinal cannabis needs.

The first Greenhouse Café was opened here on May 6, 2022 at Coconut Grove Beach Club while a second branch opened in Bequia in April this year. There is a third branch at Lagoon Marketplace in Blue Lagoon Hotel and Marina and Deane-Clarke noted on Monday that persons have been asking for a Kingstown branch so she obliged.

“We will be the first branch in Kingstown and the only cannabis consumption lounge. At Therapy you can enjoy the medicinal benefits of good company, food, drinks, snacks, relaxation and medicinal cannabis,” Deane-Clarke told SEARCHLIGHT.

She added that Greenhouse Cafe at Therapy is part of the Greenhouse Cafe family and persons with a prescription can legally purchase and consume there.

“All the steps to purchase medicinal cannabis can be done here easily, your cannabis prescription, get your patient ID card, buy your products and consume,” said Deane-Clarke while noting that Cannabidiol (CBD) infused non-alcoholic drinks made from natural juices will be on sale and these will include strawberry and mango daiquiris.

The establishment opens on Friday from 5 p.m. and daily after that from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Smoking is allowed on the outside in a designated area while foods and drinks can be consumed inside. Edibles will not be available at this point in time.

“This will be the only one in town and then also it is something that has been requested by the tourists and now is a perfect timing for this venture as the opening of the cruise season is here,” Deane-Clarke said, while noting that the Medicinal Cannabis Authority (MCA) is allowing for the use of overseas issues cannabis patient identification cards.

“Also, if someone need an identification card, it would be done there on the spot,” said the business owner while noting that cards for locals, once approved by a licensed physician, are EC$25 and for non-nationals EC$55.

Deane-Clarke noted that so far, the public has been positive about medicinal cannabis as persons can see the benefits in relation to certain ailments.

“Our products are from marijuana grown locally and are used for a wide variety of medical issues.

“Purchasing cannabis from one of these legal sources is more beneficial than purchasing illegally on the streets because there are different strains that offer different treatments so you can get something specific and can consume depending on what medical issues you have for example anxiety, pain…,” Deane-Clarke explained while adding that the marijuana is grown in Enhams.

“What we are selling is therapeutic and we are looking to create a safe space to free your mind, to help you get away from the hustle of Kingstown and take a breather.

“That is basically the concept. I would have books for persons to read for free, paper pads with pencils for persons to jot down stuff or do artwork, a space you can come and relax,” Deane-Clarke added.