If you are passing through Brookline, visiting the NETA dispensary is an amazing experience. The architecture of their flagship location in Massachusetts inspires awe. We’d like you to meet Allison Henriquez, the Senior Vice President of Emerging Markets for NETA medical cannabis dispensaries in Massachusetts.
1. What inspired you to get involved in the medical marijuana industry, and what drives your passion for serving patients?
My inspiration to enter the medical marijuana industry stems from witnessing firsthand the transformative impact cannabis can have as an alternative medicine, particularly in providing relief where opioids and other prescription drugs have failed. Engaging with patients and listening to their stories has been profoundly motivating. Many have shared how medical cannabis has allowed them to reclaim their lives, alleviating pain and suffering and enabling them to participate in everyday activities once again.
Moreover, I recognized a significant stigma surrounding cannabis and a gap in education about its benefits. Meeting numerous individuals who successfully used cannabis as an alternative to prescription drugs highlighted the urgent need for greater awareness and education. I felt compelled to bridge this gap, to spread the word about the potential of medical cannabis, and to empower patients with knowledge about effective alternatives to traditional pharmaceuticals. This mission to change perceptions and improve lives drives my passion for serving patients in the medical marijuana industry.
2. Could you provide an overview of the products and brands offered at your dispensary, highlighting any unique offerings or specialties?
New England Treatment Access (NETA) offers a diverse range of cannabis products designed to meet the needs of both medical and recreational users. Renowned for our commitment to quality and variety, we ensure that every patient has access to the best possible options for their treatment. Our product categories include flower, vapes, concentrates, edibles, tinctures, topicals, beverages, and more. We also provide unique products exclusively for medical patients, ensuring they have access to the most effective treatments. These include higher potency edibles and specific tinctures formulated for medical use. Two patient favorites are Dose Medical Cubes and a 1,000mg chocolate bar. These products are designed to provide significant relief for various conditions, highlighting our dedication to serving the medical community with specialized and potent options.
3. In what ways does NETA prioritize patient education and support, and how do they empower patients to make informed choices about their healthcare?
NETA prioritizes patient education and support through a comprehensive approach that ensures patients are well-informed and confident in their healthcare choices. One of the key ways we achieve this is through our dedicated staff, whom we refer to as “Guides.” Our Guides undergo rigorous, ongoing training to stay current with the latest information about cannabis products and their medical applications. This extensive training enables them to educate patients effectively on products that may best suit their medical needs.
We take great pride in having some of the best Guides in the industry, which is reflected in our high patient retention rate. Our commitment to patient education extends beyond personal interactions. Our website serves as a repository of educational content, providing patients with access to a wealth of information about cannabis, its uses, and its benefits.
Additionally, we host events at our dispensaries, offering patients the opportunity to learn more about cannabis and engage with experts in the field. These events foster a community of learning and support, empowering patients to make informed decisions about their healthcare. Through these efforts, NETA ensures that patients have the resources and support they need to navigate their medical cannabis journey with confidence.
4. What advice would you offer to patients who are new to medical marijuana and seeking guidance on finding the right products and dosages for their needs?
As a mother of two young girls, I often meet people who, upon learning about my profession, share their struggles with anxiety or insomnia but are hesitant to try cannabis due to lingering stigma. I share my own journey with cannabis: how it has reduced my anxiety, helped me achieve restful sleep, and how microdosing has provided relief during stressful times. These personal experiences resonate with many patients, showing that they are not alone in their challenges.
Don’t be afraid to ask questions. Walking into a dispensary might feel intimidating, but we’re here to help make the experience as comfortable as possible. Each of our dispensaries has a consultation area where you can have private conversations with our Guides, who are trained to provide personalized recommendations based on your specific needs.
Our Guides are also well-versed in stories from other patients and can offer insights and advice based on a wealth of shared experiences. We encourage you to consult with a qualifying physician, such as those at Medwell, and to speak with our Guides about your wellness goals. They are here to help you take that crucial first step toward finding the right products and dosages that will work for you.
Remember, the goal is to help you make informed decisions and to support you on your path to better health and well-being.
 5. How can patients connect with NETA to learn more and access your products and services?
Patients can connect with NETA in several convenient ways to learn more and access our products and services. You can visit any of our three retail locations, which serve both Adult Use and Medical Patients. These locations are situated in Brookline, Northampton, and Franklin, Massachusetts. Additionally, you can visit our website at www.netacare.org for comprehensive information about our products, services, and educational resources. Our website also features an online ordering system for convenient pickup or delivery, ensuring that you can access our offerings from the comfort of your home. Through these channels, NETA strives to provide easy access to quality cannabis products and essential information to support your wellness journey.
On behalf of MedWell Health and Wellness Centers, I would like to thank Allison for sharing her insights with us.
Aaron Bloom serves as the CEO, overseeing the mission and growth of DocMJ and Medwell Health and Wellness Centers. Aaron’s passion for improving patients’ lives comes from his background in health care. For more than 20 years, Aaron owned, operated, and represented traditional healthcare organizations. This experience created a passion for finding improved ways to relieve suffering. His goal as CEO is to work daily to relieve all patients who seek better health and wellness through the medicinal benefits of medical cannabis and evidence-based alternative medicines.
