Kimberly Cargile is sold on cannabis. As CEO of an East Sacramento dispensary called A Therapeutic Alternative, Cargile spends her days advocating for the long-maligned plant.
“There’s overwhelming positive research (about the benefits of cannabis),” Cargile says. “It’s sad that anybody would let the stigma stop them from advancing science.”
Cargile was a pre-med college student but found herself drawn toward natural medicine. Studies in herbalism, cannabis, yoga, reiki hands-on healing and pharmacology followed.
A fateful night “made me dedicate my entire life to advocate for this plant,” she says.
Cargile was interviewing patients for a documentary on early dispensaries in Sacramento. She asked people how cannabis helped them.
“After spending a week with these people, I woke up in middle of the night and thought, ‘This is a serious issue and no one’s addressing it,’” Cargile says. “So I collected anonymous letters and mailed them to the mayor and City Council to help get regulations passed in Sacramento and eventually state licenses. It’s been a 20- to 25-year journey advocating for patient rights, legitimacy and education on the plant itself.”
Cargile worked for Americans for Safe Access and taught patient rights and yoga at several dispensaries. When Jeanie Larson, founder of A Therapeutic Alternative, retired, Cargile took over the business in 2012.
Under Cargile, the bungalow on H Street doubled down on its identity as a medical cannabis dispensary. Staff wear scrubs and stay current with the wide variety of products.
Customers start with one-on-one consultations with Cargile to identify issues. Many are seniors referred by local doctors.
“We have the widest variety of cannabinoids and wellness products available,” she says.
Thanks to decades of advocacy, much has changed in the cannabis world. Proposition 64, the Adult Use of Marijuana Act, passed in 2016, makes it easier for dispensaries to reach patients.
The city is moving forward with allowing onsite consumption. Cargile plans to add a tea garden in the bungalow’s backyard. She hopes to resume some of the dispensary’s pre-pandemic offerings such as massage and sound therapy, support groups, yoga, reiki and acupuncture.
Cargile is excited that cannabis is on track for downgrading to a Schedule III controlled substance. The change recognizes the health value and lower abuse potential of marijuana.
“Things have changed drastically in the last 25 years,” Cargile says. “There’s a degree in college for this—that’s huge. You’re starting to see different celebrities and government officials come out about (using it). The stigma is slowly breaking down, but it’s a long road.”
For information, visit atherapeuticalternative.com.
Jessica Laskey can be reached at jessrlaskey@gmail.com. Follow us on Facebook and Instagram: @insidesacramento.
