Women to Watch: Darby Cook and Dr. Jana Lappin
By Brandon Dunn
Darby Cook and her partner Dr. Jana Lappin, Pharm.D., are working to make cannabis available to Kansas Citians who need it most, by founding Missouri Cannabis Clinic.
Cook, the founder and CEO, says MCC exists because she believes Missourians deserve access to their medicine. Lappin says the care of patients and alternative options are her top priority.
So how does a high needs teacher with Americorps become the CEO of a medical clinic in Missouri, focused on educating patients about medical marijuana?
“My family inspired me to start this clinic. My mom uses cannabis to manage her fibromyalgia, while my dad uses cannabis to treat his PTSD and manage his chronic pain. Cannabis changed their lives completely, and they’re both better people because of this flower. I want other people to be able to experience the same relief they did, and for their families to benefit from that relief as well.”
Cook says her parents struggled to find a certifying physician, “Even though medical marijuana is legal in Missouri, it is still incredibly difficult to find a doctor who is willing to provide the necessary certification. Our family ran into this problem after moving to Michigan to apply for medical marijuana patient cards several years ago.”
That experience is part of what shapes the foundations of Missouri Cannabis Clinic.
“No one should be denied the medicine they need.” Cook explains, “We know what it’s like to be the patient throughout this whole process, and that gives us the unique ability to empathize with the patients we see. I grew up in Indiana, but shortly after high school, my parents moved my family just over the border to Michigan: we were cannabis refugees. Seeing both my mom and dad struggle to find a doctor who was willing to certify them, despite mountains of medical records, inspired me to start Missouri Cannabis Clinic to help people get their medicine.”
Cook is more than an entrepreneur, she is also an advocate. “I’ve participated in NORML lobby days in Jefferson City and written letters to the editor to push for patient-centered legislation.”
The duo says that as a startup employees wear many hats, but they have big plans for the future.
“We hope to expand throughout the state and help thousands of Missourians become legal medical marijuana patients. As medical marijuana is introduced, we want to see patients put first.”
For her part Dr. Lappin, a founding partner and the Consultant Pharmacist for MCC says, “Patient care is my top priority, and over the past few years, I’ve heard more and more patients asking about cannabis as a treatment option. As a medical professional, it’s my responsibility to be able to answer these questions, so I started to do my own research.”
While medicinal marijuana is new to Missouri, Lappin sees it as a potential tool to battle addiction and overdose, “I’ve noticed the growing number of deaths caused by opioids and the general rise in prescription drug addiction. Cannabis is a good alternative pain management option that has significantly less potential for misuse.”
How have Missourians responded to a clinic that specializes in alternative therapy education? “Although the support for our clinic has been overwhelming, there are members of a vocal minority that make their disagreement known. We try to use those interactions as a learning moment to both listen and inform individuals whose beliefs may be based on outdated information,” Lappin says.
So what is it like for these two talented women to push forward into a new industry?
Cook says, “It can be challenging being a young woman in this field, especially when you find yourself at conferences or meetings surrounded by older white men. I find it’s important to remind myself that I’ve worked hard and I am qualified to be doing what I am doing. I’m also blessed to be surrounded by allies, like my father, who have used their privilege to raise others up.”
“The medical industry has made significant strides when it comes to gender and racial equality, but there is still work to do,” Lappin continues, “before patients know my gender, many of them refer to me using male pronouns. When they enter my room so I can take their vitals and discuss medical history, I can see the surprise on their face as they realize the staff pharmacist is a young Asian woman. Many of us don’t realize the stereotypes we have until we are forced to confront them. While sometimes these moments can be uncomfortable, they are great moments of growth that can lead to a better understanding of one another.”
Cook and Lappin are determined to change the stigma surrounding cannabis. Through education, outreach, and community MCC looks to reshape the way Missourians think about medicine, and ensure access for those that seek alternative solutions. “Cannabis is my passion because it’s been the only thing that’s worked for my family when everything else has failed. My mom, for example, tried several different types of pain pills and insomnia medications, but nothing worked as well as cannabis,” Cook concludes, “She’s a better mom because of cannabis.”