Ethics, testing among concerns for Western Edge Economic Development

Western Edge Economic Development has applied for full vertical facility licenses, with one dispensary application in each congressional district, two cultivation centers, and one manufacturing facility.

Kathy Hartwell of Western Edge told Greenway Magazine that, though they have a vertical model, they plan to distribute statewide.

“Ideally, our cultivation and/or processing facility would distribute to all retailers, and every other cultivation and processing facility would distribute to our dispensaries,” Hartwell said. “This would result in the broadest variety of products for patients to choose cost-effective means to improve their quality of life.”

Hartwell applauded Missouri’s licensing process.

“We feel that Missouri has created the best licensing environment in the country, for both patients and prospective business owners,” Hartwell said. “Unlike Arkansas which has too few licenses, and Oklahoma which has too many, Missouri has really struck a balance between wholesale canopy size and retail dispensing needs. If we are awarded vertically integrated licenses, we look forward to working with every other licensee in the state.”

Hartwell is one of 10 owners that make up the diverse group.  They are concerned about cutting corners from competitors.

“We hope that our competitors will join us in following the rules, even – and especially – when no one is looking,” Hartwell said. “Our biggest concern is that our competitors will adopt unethical business practices, such as hiding pesticide use or mold contamination. There are other testing-related concerns, such as falsely inflating THC values, but our greatest concern is for the safety of patients. While no one has ever died from cannabis use, mold contamination can be fatal for persons with compromised immune systems.”