Missouri’s medical marijuana industry is seeing renewed momentum, and BeLeaf and its retail arm SWADE are at the forefront of that push. Founded on a tradition of medical focus, BeLeaf has built its reputation around patient-centered care. Today, SWADE extends that mission into the retail experience, prioritizing outreach and education for patients who may feel intimidated by the modern cannabis market.
Mitch Meyers, co-founder of BeLeaf, says the company’s goal is to ensure patients stay at the heart of every decision. “People my age and older have an interest in cannabis, but they’re not just wandering into our dispensaries to learn about it,” she explains. Through SWADE, Meyers and her team are actively meeting older adults where they are, breaking down barriers and introducing them to cannabis as part of a wellness regimen.
A major step forward for BeLeaf and SWADE is the appointment of Sarah Figueroa as Wellness and Aging Consultant. Figueroa, with her gerontology background, helps older adults understand how products at SWADE can address issues such as joint pain, neuropathy, and sleep disturbances. Her presentations have received enthusiastic responses, proving there is an unmet demand for education and guidance in this demographic.
Edibles and topicals have become especially popular among older consumers shopping at SWADE, offering discreet and consistent experiences. For BeLeaf, this isn’t just good business; it’s also a social mission to empower a community that has long been underserved by the cannabis industry.
Another innovation from BeLeaf and SWADE is the Potline, a dedicated phone line offering real-time assistance from knowledgeable cannabis employees. Patients who call the Potline receive personalized recommendations without the pressure of a busy sales floor. According to Joey Pintozzi, Chief Strategy & Revenue Officer at BeLeaf, this white-glove service reflects the company’s values and reinforces the welcoming environment that SWADE strives to create.
With more than 125,000 active patients, BeLeaf and SWADE see ongoing demand for medical-focused products and services as an opportunity to grow responsibly.
As Meyers puts it, “Consistent, repeatable experiences are key.” By combining patient education, approachable products, and innovative services like the Potline, BeLeaf and SWADE are redefining what it means to serve Missouri’s medical cannabis community.