Pharmtrue’s Journey: Innovating at the Crossroads of Cannabis and Pharmacy

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Pharmtrue’s Origin: Early Beginnings and the 2018 Farm Bill

In the wake of the transformative 2018 Farm Bill, an ambitious vision took root, leading to the birth of Pharmtrue. At its core, this vision was to revolutionize pharmacy shelves with innovative CBD products. As the CEO of Pharmtrue, Dr. Joaquin Acosta, a seasoned community pharmacist, galvanized a team of experts, each bringing their unique skills and insights to the forefront. This initial formation period was marked by a deep commitment to exploring the potential of CBD within the healthcare sector, laying the groundwork for what Pharmtrue would become. With a clear goal in mind, Pharmtrue embarked on a journey to integrate the therapeutic benefits of CBD into everyday health management, paving the way for a new era in pharmacy care.

Headshot of Dr. Joaquin Acosta in white coat and blue tie, CEO of Pharmtrue
Dr. Joaquin Acosta, Visionary Leader and CEO of Pharmtrue

This early phase was defined by enthusiasm and a pioneering spirit, as the team navigated the nascent CBD landscape. The Farm Bill’s passage was an overall pivotal moment, opening doors for legal and innovative explorations in the hemp industry. This legislative change provided Pharmtrue with the unique opportunity to be at the forefront of a healthcare revolution, fusing traditional pharmacy expertise with cutting-edge cannabis science.

Pharmtrue Expansion into Hemp Farming and CBD Products

After laying its foundation post the 2018 Farm Bill, Pharmtrue embarked on an ambitious journey into hemp farming in the fertile Hatch Valley. This mission was spearheaded by co-founder and agronomist, Lucas Ogaz, managing and overseeing Pharmtrue’s 20 acre hemp farm on his family’s land in Garfield, New Mexico, opting to invest in hemp rather than a guaranteed return on organic jalapenos. The supply and demand of the oversaturated hemp market made 20-acre hemp crop bulk sales nearly impossible and unfavorable for most hemp farmers around the country, and Pharmtrue was no exception.

Lucas Ogaz holding a hemp plant at Pharmtrue's 20-acre farm in Garfield, New Mexico
Co-founder Lucas Ogaz nurturing our hemp crop at our Garfield, NM farm, 2019
Pharmtrue's CBD products display in pharmacies, including tinctures, topicals, gummies, and capsules
Pharmtrue’s debut in New Mexico pharmacies with our holistic CBD range

The birth of Pharmacist-Formulated Cannabis

Now came time to bring Pharmtrue to life and lean into the pharmacist influence in order to grow and nurture an infant brand in an infant industry. This strategic move was driven by the vision to not only participate in the chaotic CBD market but to innovate within it. The team, led by Dr. Joaquin Acosta, focused on developing pharmacist-formulated CBD products, addressing a unique niche in the market.

The road was not without challenges. The rapidly evolving landscape of the CBD industry presented hurdles, but, Pharmtrue’s team, adaptable and resilient, turned these challenges into opportunities for innovation and growth. Their efforts were not just about creating products; they were about setting a new standard in the quality and reliability of CBD offerings, ensuring that what reached the pharmacy shelves was not only effective but also backed by a pharmacist’s expertise. This phase of Pharmtrue’s journey was marked by a commitment to quality and an unwavering belief in the potential of hemp-derived products to revolutionize healthcare and wellness. It was a testament to the team’s dedication and a clear indication of the innovative spirit at the heart of Pharmtrue.

Pharmtrue's tent at night market in downtown Las Cruces with LED lights, displaying CBD products
Pharmtrue’s vibrant night market stall, a hub of wellness and community engagement

Educational Initiatives and Industry Leadership

As Pharmtrue solidified its presence in the hemp and CBD market, Dr. Joaquin Acosta recognized the importance of education in this evolving industry. To address the knowledge gap among healthcare professionals, Pharmtrue initiated pioneering educational programs. The Cannabis Crash Course and a Continuing Education course became instrumental in educating pharmacists as well as pharmacy technicians about cannabis and its derivatives. These educational initiatives positioned Pharmtrue as a provider of high-quality CBD products and a thought leader in cannabis. Dr. Acosta’s commitment to spreading knowledge underscored his dedication to bridging the gap between healthcare and cannabis therapies. This focus on education highlighted Pharmtrue’s innovative and forward-thinking approach, further establishing its credibility in the industry.

Pharmtrue and Mesilla Valley Pharmacy Synergy

The collaboration between Pharmtrue and Mesilla Valley Pharmacy marked a significant milestone in the journey of Dr. Joaquin Acosta’s vision. This synergistic relationship capitalized on the strengths of both entities, creating a powerful force in the cannabis industry. Mesilla Valley Pharmacy initially complemented Pharmtrue’s innovative approach to hemp farming and CBD product development. Both were initially founded and led by Dr. Joaquin Acosta. Under his leadership, they navigated the complex landscape of the cannabis industry. This set a precedent in the industry for collaborative success between traditional pharmacy and cannabis-focused ventures.

Graphic post from Mesilla Valley Pharmacy celebrating America's first community pharmacy and cannabis dispensary partnership with Pharmtrue"
Celebrating the pioneering fusion of community pharmacy and cannabis dispensary

Pharmtrue Breaking New Ground in Cannabis Retail and Pharmacy Services

Screenshot of Las Cruces community debate on Pharmtrue's variance request for downtown location
Public discourse on Pharmtrue’s variance request, highlighting community engagement

Pharmtrue marked its journey to establish a unique dispensary-pharmacy hybrid with innovation and resilience. This ambitious venture faced challenges, especially in the variance request process with the City of Las Cruces. Dr. Acosta and his team navigated these hurdles meticulously, presenting a compelling case for their unique business model. The variance request, a particularly crucial step, involved detailed presentations and negotiations with city authorities. The team demonstrated a deep understanding of pharmacy regulations and cannabis laws. They adeptly argued for the need and potential of this new hybrid model despite the intense resistance.

This process was not just a bureaucratic hurdle. Above all, it transformed into an opportunity to educate local authorities and stakeholders about the benefits and safety of integrating cannabis products into a pharmacy setting. However, the journey took a dramatic turn when the initial variance request faced obstacles. Determined, Dr. Acosta led his team through an appeal process, showcasing their unwavering commitment to their vision. This appeal was not merely a legal procedure; it was a testament to Pharmtrue’s dedication to innovation and patient care.

With renewed vigor and determination, Pharmtrue set out once again. The mission became to prove ourselves by gathering more evidence and developing an even stronger case than before. We campaigned hard to our community, and rallied much necessary opinion to support our cause. The appeal process involved rigorous preparation, detailed documentation, and a persuasive narrative that highlighted the unique benefits of their model to the community. The team’s efforts paid off when the variance was granted, marking a significant milestone in Pharmtrue’s story and in the broader narrative of cannabis retail and pharmacy integration.

WRITING HISTORY

SEE – Las Cruces City Council Recap of the Sept. 6, 2022 Meeting

SEE – Las Cruces City Council’s RESOLUTION

This chapter in Pharmtrue’s history is a powerful testament to Dr. Acosta’s leadership and the team’s dedication. It shows our ability to overcome regulatory and logistical challenges, setting a new precedent in the cannabis and pharmacy industries. This achievement not only paved the way for Pharmtrue’s future endeavors but also left a mark on the local community, remembered and respected for its groundbreaking nature.

Pharmtrue’s Distinct Identity and Future Vision

As Pharmtrue prepares to open our community pharmacy, the company stands at a pivotal moment for growth. Under Dr. Joaquin Acosta’s leadership, Pharmtrue is certainly not just a business. It is a transformative movement in pharmacy and cannabis. Pharmtrue emphasizes its distinct identity and remains committed to advancing cannabis education among healthcare professionals. Informed practitioners can significantly impact patient care and community wellness through cannabis education. Leading educational initiatives, Pharmtrue fosters an overall more informed and accepting environment for cannabis in healthcare.

Pharmtrue’s overall commitment to providing high-quality, pharmacist-formulated cannabis products is unwavering. This focus on quality and efficacy reflects Dr. Acosta’s passion for excellence in patient care. As cannabis therapy evolves, Pharmtrue advocates for responsible, informed, and compassionate use. Pharmtrue’s future is about nurturing a legacy of innovation, education, in addition to patient-centered care. With a vision focused on these goals, Pharmtrue aims to redefine cannabis’s role in pharmacy. Pharmtrue promises a future where health, well-being, and informed choice converge seamlessly.

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