Interview With A Dispensary – SWELL FARMACY

Arizona’s medical marijuana industry is slowly growing along with a steady medical marijuana consumer base of about 13% as of 2016. Medical marijuana sales are currently the only level of retail sales allowed in Arizona. Containing marijuana retail businesses’ inside of medical use only restrictions has led to a smaller up rise of dispensaries vs. the up rise in states that have legalized recreational dispensary sales.

To cope with the difficult climate, dispensaries are focusing on one-on-one client engagement, community involvement and in-house advocacy. Swell Farmancy has risen to the top tier when it comes community involvement and patient first centered operations with its current four locations from the greater Phoenix metropolitan area to Youngtown. Swell is known for its extremely hands-on approach with potential and continuing patients.

MMX recently sat down with Swell Farmancy’s Marketing & Brand Director, Cathleen Mitchell to find out what has driven this dispensary to the top in Arizona’s medical marijuana market.

MMX:  Please tell us about Swell.

Cathleen: We believe that our patients and customers deserve a life lived well. At our 4 locations throughout the metro-Phoenix area, we offer top-notch medical-grade flower, concentrates, and cannabis-infused products. Our expert cultivators use sustainable and innovative growing techniques to bring out the best qualities of the plant. The Swell quality experience is a direct result of our commitment to delivering the best medicine to patients in Arizona.

MMX: What makes Swell different than other local dispensaries?

Cathleen: Swell Farmacy was built on the mantra Do Good, Do Right, Be Well—and we incorporate these principles into everything we do:

• DO GOOD (Excellence): Swell Farmacy offers compassionate care and high-quality cannabis through our retail stores and online ordering platform, setting a standard of service excellence in the industry.
• DO RIGHT (Integrity): We operate on the highest ethical ground to grow and deliver the highest quality products at a fair price.
• BE WELL (Wellness): Our products are offered in a warm and welcoming atmosphere by our attentive and knowledgeable budtenders who are ready to explore the best products for each individual patient’s needs.

MMX: What was your background before you got started in the MMJ industry?

Cathleen: I started working with Swell as a consultant through my agency, MM Brand Agency that was founded in NYC over 20 years ago with the goal to help clients shape, market and protect their brands.

MMX: What drew you to the cannabis industry?

Cathleen: Working with Swell over the past year has opened my eyes to the medical benefits of cannabis. I knew very little about the industry before working with Swell, however I am now a huge advocate for the industry. I am learning more each day and look forward to helping Swell Farmacy navigate the industry challenges and explore the opportunities as they unfold.

MMX: How has the industry changed in the years that you’ve been active?

Cathleen: In just one year, I have seen the commoditization of cannabis products. I am confident Swell will excel in this emerging and constantly evolving market because of their commitment to top-notch customer service, products, and wellness care in a comfortable and professional manner. Brand value will not be determined by price, but by product quality and the customer experience. Swell excels at both quality and the customer experience.

MMX:  What are some of the biggest obstacles facing dispensaries right now?

Cathleen: Because of the fast-paced growth of the industry, dispensaries are facing supply chain challenges as well as fractured management and leadership. The business model for a successful dispensary is especially unique and complex compared to businesses in more mature industries. The cannabis brands and businesses who bridge the “functional and operational” side with the “culture and people” side of their business will thrive in this exceedingly competitive market.

MMX:  What does the future of Swell look like?

Cathleen: The future of Swell looks bright—we are prepared to meet the ever-changing industry challenges and we are well-positioned to seize the opportunities for continued, smart growth.

Swell Farmacy currently has four dispensary locations available for patients with a valid Arizona medical marijuana card in hand. Three locations are in Phoenix with the fourth in Youngtown. Each Swell Farmacy store carries a wide variety of cannabis products including flower, concentrates, edibles, tinctures, and topicals. To find out more about Swell please visit: https://swellfarmacy.com/

Noni Cavaliere