Kilpatrick Kannabis, One Community at a Time

Almost 20 years ago, Lindsey Young, originally from Michigan, had a very different opinion regarding cannabis. Like so many of us, she was raised in a conservative home that never gave a (now legal) drug a second thought on its validity. However, that changed when she met her now husband who began suffering from Bell’s Palsy, a condition in which part of your facial muscles weaken or become paralyzed. At the time, his Doctor (in California) recommended using cannabis to treat the condition.  This led to her researching and educating herself to better understand the benefits of cannabis. “He eventually began having seizures,” she explained, “instead of him taking a bunch of pills that were making him sicker, cannabis works for all of his ailments. I was like, wow, more people really need to tap into the medical benefits of using cannabis.”

One day they found themselves in the charming town of Chandler after her husband had visited the area while traveling for work.  He expressed how much he thought she’d like it there and the potential for opening a dispensary in Chandler. Next, they bought a house, packed up their belongings, and made the big move.  Then they opened their business, Kilpatrick Kannabis. In addition to the dispensary, they also have a grow operation that her husband manages while she manages the dispensary. It’s a partnership. Because of their businesses, they are able to work and be together full time and raise their 3 children (2 now grown).

After visiting dispensaries in other states, the Youngs felt that the quality of the medicine other dispensaries were offering at the time, was not up to par. “It became our mission to grow our own and provide organic cannabis to our patients. We know exactly where and who all of our products come from. It is good quality. That’s ultimately what it’s all about, making sure that the people are getting what is going to help them.”

“The local community was a little hesitant when we first opened, but after a few events, they came to realize that we are a family owned business just like any other. Just because we are dispensary owners doesn’t mean we are here to shove cannabis in your face, and overall everyone has been really accepting and supportive.” 

The stigma surrounding cannabis use has changed so much over the last 20 years. Stories like hers are not uncommon.  Today women across Oklahoma are still battling themselves because of that stigma we were raised hearing and believing. I asked, what do you want to tell women that still aren’t sure? Her response, “Put yourself out there.  The more you can learn, the better off you are. Don’t be afraid to go against the grain; just educate yourself.”

As of right now, their immediate plans are, “One community at a time, starting with our own. Just educating as much as we can. We don’t think that everyone needs to use cannabis, it’s not for everyone. But just helping people understand is key.”