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Cannabis in the Community

From Roots to Recognition: The Journey of NatureMed to Kansas City’s Best Dispensary and Budtender Nominee

From Roots to Recognition: The Jorurney of NatureMEd to Kansas City's Best Dispensary and Budtender Nominee

It’s official, Kansas City! NatureMed has made it to the voting round for Best Dispensary and Best Budtender in The Pitch KC’s annual Best of KC awards! This nomination is an honor because it comes directly from our patients and community we serve every day.

Our History in Missouri

NatureMed’s roots started with a passion for providing safe and reliable cannabis to patients who needed it most. We began serving Missouri shortly after the state’s medical program opened. From the start, our focus has been on education, compassion, and high-quality products. 

As the Missouri cannabis community grew, so did we. What started as a small team with a big dream in Arizona has turned into a welcoming dispensary that continues to adapt to the needs of our patients. Whether you’re here for relief, relaxation, or exploration, we’ve worked hard to create an environment where everyone feels supported and informed.

"[I got started in the industry because] I wanted to help spread awareness of the benefits of cannabis and try to dispell the myths and stigmas attached to it.

A diverse team of six happy cannabis dispensary employees wearing green branded shirts and hoodies, posing together for a group photo inside the store.
Say hello to our fantastic team from the Vivion Road store, who were all smiles while filming for our new commercial. Be sure to look for us on KSHB 41!

Growing with Our Patients

Over the years, we’ve had the privilege of building relationships with patients across Kansas City. We’ve seen firsthand how cannabis can change daily life. For example, it can bring relief, spark creativity, or simply make a long day easier.

That’s why being nominated for Best Dispensary feels so special. It reflects the trust and support of our community. On top of that, one of our budtenders, Jeremy, is in the running for Best Budtender of KC! This recognition highlights the heart of what makes NatureMed different. It’s the people who care for you every time you walk through our doors.

"[I like working in the cannabis industry because of] the patients, I truly love being able to help someone discover the benefits of cannabis and giving them an alternative to phrama for their depression, anxiety, pain, ect."

An exterior view of the NatureMed Dispensary storefront, a one-story brick building with a large sign and an empty parking lot on a sunny day.
The exterior of our Gladstone store! We're located at 207 NE 72nd St, Gladstone, MO 64118.

Cast Your Vote for NatureMed

Now it’s your turn to help us bring this recognition home. Voting is open until September 25, and it only takes a minute to show your support! You can vote for Best Dispensary here and Best Budtender here!

Your vote isn’t just about recognition. It’s about showing the Kansas City community what cannabis can be when it’s backed by care, quality, and compassion.

The staff of NatureMed Dispensary wearing gray branded hoodies, striking fun poses for a team photo inside the store.
Our Independence team is celebrating a big win: the entire store completed their employee surveys! They're rocking their new hoodies and you can find them at 15823 E US Hwy 24, Independence, MO 64050.

Thank you for supporting local

We’re so grateful to be part of Kansas City’s growing cannabis market. Every visit, every conversation, and every vote means the world to us. Whether you’ve come in for flower, edibles, concentrates, or just to browse, you’ve helped us grow and keep moving forward.

Explore Our Online Menu and Daily Deals

While you’re here, don’t forget to check out our daily deals and shop our online menu. We update our offerings regularly so you can always find something new to enjoy.

Shop Our Online Menu

Check Out Our Daily Deals

Together, let’s show Kansas City why NatureMed deserves the title of Best Dispensary, and why our team includes the Best Budtender. Thank you for your support! We wouldn’t be here without you!

Categories
Cannabis in the Community

Back to School Drive for Missouri: Helping Local Students Succeed

Back to School Drive for Missouri: Helping Local Students Succeed

It’s that time of year again! Fresh notebooks, sharpened pencils, and backpacks are ready to. NatureMed is excited to launch our Back to School Drive to help students in our local communities start the year strong. From August 11 through August 25, all five of our Missouri stores will be collecting donations of basic school supplies, and every single item goes directly to support a school in need. The best part? No purchase is necessary to participate, just bring your supplies and your community spirit.

Two men pose behind a black bin filled with backpacks. One man on the left holds a notebook and the man on the right holds a box of Kleenex and notebooks. A sign on the bin says "School Supply Drive."

Who We’re Helping This Year

Each of our Missouri locations has partnered with a different local school or district to make sure your donations have a direct impact. Our Independence location is collecting for Fort Osage School District, O’Fallon is supporting Hope High School in the Fort Zumwalt District, Kingston is helping Hancock District elementary schools, and both our Vivion and Gladstone locations are gathering supplies for the North Kansas City Schools ELL Department. Every pencil, notebook, and box of crayons will go straight into the hands of students who need them the most.

How You Can Make a Difference

Participating is easy. Stop by any NatureMed dispensary between August 11 and August 25 and drop off your donation of basic school supplies. We’re talking things like paper, folders, makers, backpacks, and glue sticks, the essentials that help set students up for success! See your local budtender for a detailed list of supplies needed for each school! Whether you bring one item or a bag full, you’re making a real difference in a student’s school year.

A group of five women smiling and holding a large black bin overflowing with notebooks and binders for a school supply drive. A woman on the far left holds a box of school supplies and gives a thumbs-up.

Join us In supporting local students

At NatureMed, we believe in lifting up the communities we serve, and this Back to School drive is a chance for all of us to come together for something good. Let’s fill those classrooms with the tools students need to shine.

While you’re here dropping off supplies, be sure to browse our online menu and check out our daily deals! You might just find something to make your day a little brighter too!

Categories
Cannabis in the Community

Supporting Our Neighbors: Tornado Relief Drive

Supporting Our Neighbors: Tornado Relief Drive

On May 16, a tornado swept through northern St. Louis, causing serious damage and leaving many families without basic necessities. It was one of those moments that shakes a community, but also reminds us how strong that community can be. At NatureMed, we’re doing what we can to help support our neighbors through it.

We’ve partnered with Love the Lou, a St. Louis organization working directly with families impacted by the tornado. Their team is focused on delivering real support, fast by getting essential supplies into the hands of people who need them most.

What We’re Collecting

If you’re planning to visit one of our STL stores, we encourage you to bring a few extra items with you to donate. Here’s what we’re collecting:

Food and Drinks

  • Bottled water & electrolyte drinks
  • Non-perishable food items like peanut butter, jelly, & canned goods

Everyday Essentials

  • Toiletries (toilet paper, soap, toothbrush/paste)
  • Feminine hygiene products
  • Towels, clean clothing, adult diapers
  • Items for children (formula, diapers, toys)

Household & Repair Supplies

  • Trash bags, zip-lock & lawn bags
  • Packing tape, duct tape, & Flex Seal
  • Tarps & nails
  • Flashlights, headlamps, & batteries
  • Phone charging cords

Other Helpful Donations

  • Gift cards to Walmart, Aldi, Schnucks, or any local grocery store.

Not sure if something you have is useful? Ask one of our budtenders in store and we’ll be happy to help!

Where and When

Donations will be accepted during regular store hours at both St. Louis NatureMed locations until June 30. We’ve made it easy to contribute. Just bring your items inside and let any team member know you’re donating to the tornado relief drive. We’ll hand the rest from there!

Why It Matters

When natural disasters hit, many people are left without basic necessities for days or even weeks. The tornadoes that came through Missouri were no exception. In moment’s like this, small businesses have the power to step up in a big way. For us, that means showing up for the STL community the same way it’s always shown up for us.

We believe that being part of a community means showing up when it’s needed most. Whether you’re able to bring one item or ten, just being part of this effort means a lot. It’s the little things that help people feel seen supported, and not alone.

From Our STL Team

This drive was started by one of our own, Kyra Derington, who experienced the storm’s impact firsthand. Here’s what she shared about the day the tornado hit and what inspired her to take action:

On May 16, I got a call from the local police saying a tree in my front yard fell on my house. As I rushed home in panic, I shortly realized I was one of the lucky ones. As more pictures and information about the devastation across North County were posted, my heart broke. Some families lost everything in an instant. I knew we had to do something. Launching the tornado relief drive at NatureMed wasn’t just about collecting supplies, it was about standing beside our community in a moment of deep need. Watching everyone come together so quickly reminded me how powerful compassion can be when we choose to act.

Since launching our tornado relief drive, over 1,347 items have been donated at our two STL stores. The response has been incredible, and we’re so grateful to everyone who’s already shown up to help.

Shop and Support

Even if you’re not able to donate, your visit still supports the work we’re doing! Check out our daily deals to save on your go-to products and browse our online menu and order ahead for pickup.

Thanks for being part of a community that shows up and takes care of each other. STL, we’ve got your back.