Weed delivery isn't all it's cracked up to be, says Joe Doherty. He owns the Spot Medical LLC — one of five medicinal marijuana delivery companies in the Spokane area. The businessman is conflicted between altruistic motives — to hand-deliver medicine to homebound patients — and pure business strategy.
"Most of my delivery calls are from recreational customers, not medicinal card holders," he says. "I get too many calls after midnight from drunks in hotel rooms."
The business has only delivered to 10 legitimate medicinal patients since opening last March. For deliveries, the proof is in the card. Doherty requires patients to text a picture of their identification card. Once received, he verifies the information and schedules a drop-off. Upon delivery, the card is verified again.
"Everyone has been really appreciative so far," he says. "I know it's a valuable service to patients who really need it, but if I keep getting phone calls at 2 am, it's going to end."
For now, deliveries will continue on a trial basis throughout Spokane and Cheney, with profits driven by the East Trent storefront. Doherty purchased the business and transferred about 14 existing patients last March. While off to a rocky start, the Spot Medical LLC has since transformed, with a new interior and custom-built, brushed-steel display cases.
"We completely remodeled with new floors, walls and a ceiling," he says. "People don't even recognize the new space."
The dispensary carries flowers, edibles, concentrates, accessories and glass pieces from local glassblower Jack Tregalis. New patients are given a free gram, which has helped grow the business to 175 patients.
"We have nothing but top-shelf product from local farmers," Doherty says.
The Spot Medical LLC will continue to operate — deliveries included — under the existing year lease and has plans to apply for recreational status. ♦
The Spot Medical LLC • 7413 E. Trent, Spokane Valley • Open Sun, 11 am-8 pm; Mon-Sat, 11 am-11 pm • 315-8279; 216-1115 deliveries
