Who is Mario Enriquez? [2:11]
What was Mario’s first medical marijuana purchase? [3:18]
What did the moment feel like when Mario made his purchase? [4:14]
How Mario go introduced to cannabis [5:49]
Mario’s favorite ways to consume cannabis [10:06]
How the coronavirus pandemic has affected Mario’s day-to-day marijuana usage [12:54]
What is Mario’s next project? [17:05]
Is Tim still seeing new patients? [19:33]
Mario’s plan for 4/20 [25:26]
How you can learn more about Utah Patients for Cannabis and Natural Choices [29:48]
Utah Patients for Cannabis and Natural Choices
Mario is a medical marijuana patient and the president of Utah Patients for Cannabis and Natural Choices. His group helped spearhead the proposition to collect signatures alongside with the Utah Patients Coalition. Also, he was the first patient in the state of Utah to buy medical cannabis.
The first day cannabis flower was not available. He decided to purchase cartridges of sativa and indigo.
Because of his past experience with dispensaries, the purchase felt normal. However, when he walked out the door he realized that he was the first person to purchase medical marijuana in Utah. He received a huge reaction of tears, hugs, and happiness from everyone.
Mario started as a recreational user. However, he was diagnosed with a rare condition called ocular albinism at a young age. He also has nystagmus, which makes his eyes move back and forth all the time. That causes constant eye pain all the time.
Along with helping to medicate his pain without pills, cannabis helped him during school stay calm and focused.
Dry flower vaporizers are what’s allowed with Utah law. However, he also enjoys smoking it because you can better experience the flavors.
The pandemic has not changed Mario’s day-to-day usage. In fact, with the increased anxiety that comes with the pandemic, Mario has continued to use medical cannabis to medicate.
Note: anxiety is not a qualifying condition for medical marijuana in Utah.
Although medical marijuana is legal in Utah, Mario feels his work is not done. There are still conditions he feels needs to be added to the list of qualifying conditions. Also, patients would like to be able to ignite medical marijuana and consume it in a way that is comfortable for them.
His group is still working with legislators to improve the state of medical marijuana in the future.
Yes, Tim is still seeing new patients. With the coronavirus pandemic, his clinic is practicing social distancing. However, Utah law still requires face-to-face visits so they are making accommodations to do this, including visiting the elderly at their homes.
To schedule an appointment, you can go to https://utahmarijuana.org/clinic or call (801) 851-5554.
Mario was able to get a job working at Perfect Earth Pharmacy in South Ogden. He will be helping out the Logan store on 4/20.
Visit their Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/UPCNC/.
