Patient Education ►
Markena Pouncil , an Enthusiastic Medical Cannabis Patient Story
by Zach Smith of Nature Med Dispensary
Meet Markena Pouncil , an Army veteran , pillar of her community , and an enthusiastic medical cannabis patient . My grandfather may not believe those three things can describe one person , but there she was right in front of my eyes as she walked onto the Nature Med Dispensary ’ s sales floor to speak with me .
It was my first-time meeting Markena , but the staff at the Independence Nature Med was very familiar with her . When asked who they would like to nominate to be a featured patient in The EVOLUTION Magazine , it was a very fast and enthusiastic “ Markena !” They had a wealth of great things to say about her , from her community involvement to the wonderful stories she tells the staff .
That is exactly what she did ! And not just for herself and her family . Alongside her family , she started two non-profit organizations . The first is Save Our Children from Crime .
“ Save Our Children from Crime is a non-profit youth program , and they focus on youth empowerment and social justice for children who are in the judicial system ,” said Markena . “ We try to give them a second chance .”
They have community service outlets that allow these children to enroll in school . It can be difficult for kids who have criminal-type records to apply for financial aid , and some don ’ t realize that it is a possibility at all . Save Our Children from Crime helps them to wade through the red tape . It ’ s also involved with law enforcement , bringing them in for community engaging activities to help break through the barriers of racial stereotypes in an effort to make interactions more positive and trusting .
The other non-profit she helped start is Young Optimistic Leaders of America ( YOLA ). It is an extension of Save Our Children From Crime , focused on mentoring youth in the community . They work with HBCUs and colleges in the metro area to help get children scholarships for higher education . They also help kids with ACT / SAT preparation .
Markena ’ s medical cannabis use started to help with injuries she suffered while in the Army and other health issues . She found the plant incredibly helpful in dealing with the symptoms of her medical conditions and quickly became an outspoken advocate . She loves to learn about cannabis from helpful budtenders like Chaka and says that is a big part of why she loves Nature Med .
Nature Med Dispensary , Independence manager Matt , Markena , and budtender Chaka .
When asked about Markena , budtender Chaka said , “ She is always a ball of sunshine every time she comes in .” After sitting with her to talk , I learned that she certainly has plenty of reasons to “ not ” be that ray of sunshine in so many peoples ’ lives . A survivor ( not a victim , says Markena ) of domestic violence , she left that abusive situation with her kids and returned to her home of Kansas City . She was an unemployed veteran without any type of housing , but she was free of abuse and looking to better her situation . That proved to be easier said than done , as she was offered veteran housing for herself but needed space for her children as well .
Eventually , she became involved with a program through the VA that helps vets find housing and helps to pay for schooling . She saw this as a great opportunity to grow . Markena says , “ I thought , let me go ahead and better myself because if you ’ re going to leave a bad situation , you need to make sure that you make a better situation .”
“ I like your staff ; they ’ re cool ,” says Markena . “ They don ’ t just work here ; they actually use the products they suggest , and they love to tell you about them . I also love when they say if you buy this , you get this . Well , sign me up !”
Above all , Markena is an inspiring person and the type of medical cannabis patient that the community should celebrate . For too long , patients suffering from medical conditions like hers had to hide their cannabis use to live life without judgment . Today , they don ’ t ! The stereotype of “ burnout ” and “ stoner ” is dissolving as people like Markena blaze the trail opening the conversation about responsible , adult use of cannabis . At Nature Med , we are honored to have her as a patient , share her inspirational story , and are excited to be a small part of her incredible journey !
The EVOLUTION Magazine invites our readers and budtenders to share their patient stories about how medical cannabis has helped them or someone they know . Send your stories or ideas for a story to
bill @ theevolutionmag . com .