The long-awaited MedPharm Iowa opened this weekend and was met by eager medical marijuana customers despite wet, wintry weather.

More than a dozen people lined up outside the medical cannabis dispensary an hour before it was set to open at 8 a.m. Saturday at 7239 Apple Valley Dr. in Windsor Heights.

In 2017, the Iowa Legislature and governor approved a provision of cannabis products for people with specific medical conditions. The stores permitted to provide the products opened for the first time on Saturday.

“The reaction we’ve gotten from the community about the opening has been amazing,” said Lucas Nelson, general manager of the MedPharm operation. “People have been stopping by and asking when we’re opening, how they can get involved and what will be available here.”

Nelson said customers are “elated’ that the wait for the product is finally over.

The opening weekend hours are 8 a.m.- 5 p.m. Saturday, and 12-5 p.m. on Sunday. Regular hours of operation will begin Monday.

“I feel (the opening) is baby steps for Iowa in the right direction,” said Marilyn Isley, an early customer in line at the grand opening. “I’ve seen with my own eyes that there has been lots of problems with the opioid uses in Iowa and hopefully this is a step in the right direction in helping people that need help with different diseases and pain management.” [Read More @ Des Moines Register]