BETHLEHEM, Pa. — Michael Matthews said he remembers feeling at one point “in disbelief” in the power of cannabidiol (CBD) while working in Southern California’s cannabis industry.
But now, Easton native Matthews is back closer to home, bringing a different perspective and providing some serious health to the people of Bethlehem.
His company, Nurse Wellness, is a regional chain of marijuana dispensaries in New Jersey.
Now, they have a flagship store selling hemp-derived products at 523 Main Street in Christmas City.
The business had a soft opening Thursday.
Nurse Wellness had a soft opening Thursday at 523 Main St. For now, the store will be open daily from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. A grand opening celebration is scheduled for his April 20th.
There you’ll find everything from infused seltzers, herbal cigarettes to help you quit smoking, topical options, bath bombs, pet treats, sleep gummies, edibles in the chocolate and crispy treat variety, and Delta 8 Flour pre-rolls. With “Lowest Price Guarantee”.
The products are tested in third-party labs, and the packaging includes a QR code so consumers can see directly what’s going on behind what they’re buying.
“It’s not about getting sales, it’s about getting the right product into their hands and making them feel comfortable,” Matthews said.
Matthews said Nurse Wellness also offers free samples of gummies and pain creams so you can try them before you buy.
At this time, the new Bethlehem store will be open daily from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
The grand opening is scheduled for April 20, and there will also be promotional offers and perks, Matthews said.
Nurse Wellness’ small facility, known as “Joley’s,” operates from 1301 Linden Street in Bethlehem. Although it is operated under a different owner than the Main Street main store, most of the Nurse Wellness product line is sold there.
Another Easton location, known as Chubby’s, will open the same day at 154 W. Saint Joseph St.
There is also a small Nurse Wellness store in Bethlehem known as Jolly’s, which is now operated under different ownership, but Matthews said he is still “very involved” with the store. .
Jolly’s is located at 1301 Linden St.
“We call this a micro-location because we have a smaller but most product line here, all the best-selling items, the same great customer service and the knowledge of our employees,” Matthews said. said.
“Plus, it’s a great place to stop and grab something quick.”
Will Oliver
/
Lehigh Valley News.com
High quality products, high quality staff
Mr. Matthews returned to the area in December 2018, and the first Nurse Wellness location opened as a kiosk inside the Cherry Hill Mall in Cherry Hill, New Jersey.
“Throughout the past five years here, [we’ve] This product line was developed in collaboration with about 15 partners in probably 10 to 11 states, handpicking the best products from across the country,” Matthews said.
“Throughout the past five years here, [we’ve] This product line was developed in collaboration with about 15 partners in probably 10-11 states, handpicking the best products from across the country. ”
Nurse Wellness CEO Michael Matthews
“My uncle isn’t making this stuff in his basement. We’re literally just trying to deliver the highest quality product.”
Matthews said the staff is well-prepared for the task at hand and has also taken Cannabis Training College courses.
“Even though we are not allowed to give medical advice, we have people coming here who are struggling with problems from all walks of life, including people who can’t sleep, extreme pain, depression, anxiety, etc. It’s very broad,” he said.
“Still, it’s really incredible that this works. I’m kind of surprised by it myself.”
community health
The store’s selection focuses on cannabis-derived products.
But Matthews said his team is considering offering more options in the legal mushroom, herb and spice space at some point.
He said Nurse Wellness is trying to build a network of doctors and pharmacists in case the store doesn’t have the right product for someone’s specific situation or needs at the time.
“People are taking their health more seriously now than ever before. …We want to be as deeply involved in this community as we are in Cherry Hill, where our first five stores are. .”
Nurse Wellness CEO Michael Matthews
“People are taking their health more seriously now than ever before,” Matthews says.
“We want to be as deeply involved in this community as we are in Cherry Hill, where our first five stores are.”
Will Oliver
/
Lehigh Valley News.com
Recommendations from staff
Manager Jack Arnold recommended that people with sleep issues look for cannabinol (CBN) in the company’s product line.
Arnold says this cannabinoid is known to provide a mellow, relaxing experience without the next-morning grogginess you experience with melatonin.
Mike Patrichella, another manager, says that those interested in trying CBD, especially for health reasons, should know that getting the body to realize all of the potential benefits is a daily process. said it should.
Also note that there are no widespread concerns of overdose or addiction associated with CBD, Patrichella said.
Matthews said she enjoys Cycling Frog brand infused seltzer. This seltzer is water-soluble and takes just a few minutes to feel the effects.
They all say that the experience you want lies in the product’s cannabinoid and terpene profile. Think about the effects of each on your body, as well as the smell and taste.
Either way, Nurse Wellness’ “bud tenders” can help you find what you need, Matthews said.
Will Oliver
/
Lehigh Valley News.com
legal situation
With the passage of the Farm Bill in 2018, hemp is considered legal at the federal level, so Bethlehem’s two nurse wellness facilities operate within the law.
According to Matthews, cannabis and hemp both belong to the same plant species.
It all has to do with the plant’s respective levels of what is known as delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol, or THC. It is the most active psychoactive compound in the plant and is known for its “high” effect.
Marijuana has a high content of THC and a low content of CBD, but is sometimes confused as being the same as hemp.
Once the plant is grown and cut down for testing, the magic number is 0.3% THC. Cannabis has more of it, while hemp has less of it.
With the passage of the Farm Bill in 2018, hemp is considered legal at the federal level, so Bethlehem’s two nurse wellness facilities operate within the law.
This is the current federal classification for substances that are considered Schedule I substances, at least in the field of marijuana. Pennsylvania, unlike New Jersey, has not legalized marijuana for recreational use.
Of course, Keystone State residents with medical marijuana cards are authorized to purchase THC-based products from official dispensaries.
But some cannabis-derived products, such as those at the new Main Street Nurse Wellness, don’t require formal proof of medical necessity from customers. He must be over 21 years old to participate.
When making a purchase, you will be asked to present some form of identification, such as a driver’s license, birth certificate, green card, or even a foreign ID, to verify your age.
Will Oliver
/
LehughValleyNews.com
Maybe someday it will expand again
Approximately 10 jobs are expected to be the initial impact of the new Bethlehem store, and those interested should send resumes to Hello@NurseWellness.com.
Mr Matthews said all staff provided shopper advice, product knowledge and customer service at a “high level”.
Nurse Wellness currently employs 35 people across its stores.
