Herbal Alternatives was the first female (and only native Washingtonian) owned dispensary to be awarded a license in the District of Columbia. Jen Brunenkant, the company’s founder, with nearly three decades in the cannabis industry, has heard people downplay and demonize the use of cannabis as a legitimate, safer alternative to pharmaceuticals with severe adverse side effects. Jen has listened to fellow boomers who could not shake the negative stigma of cannabis use that had been indoctrinated into them for decades. She has experienced firsthand how everyday pain affects one’s personal and professional relationships and she has seen how the need for safe access and comprehensive cannabis guidance crosses all cultural, gender, racial, ethnic and religious communities. Jen’s experiences guide the approach Herbal Alternatives takes to providing cannabis to DC residents and visitors to our great city. She sought out a location in a traditional office building for the extra layer of safety it provided patients and as a visual, continuing statement that dispensaries have a rightful place beside all other types of businesses. The company’s tag line--Effective. Natural. Pure—aptly describes what regulated cannabis is for patients who suffer from a myriad of illnesses and symptoms ranging from occasional coping to life threatening. Operating as a deli-style dispensary, Herbal Alternatives gives patients the opportunity to see and smell the flowers to aid them in their selections, which are weighed in front of them in increments of their choice by knowledgeable cannabis specialists. As individuals, all Herbal Alternatives’ cannabis specialists have a personal history that makes them advocates of the medicinal benefits of cannabis. Their unique histories and diverse backgrounds resonate with patients who, whether first time purchasers or experienced users, appreciate the knowledge and understanding they bring to assessing each patient’s distinctive needs and situation. Our staff, and their approach to guiding patients along the path to wellness through cannabis, is a large part of what makes each patient’s visit to Herbal Alternatives a singular, tailored experience. This talented group of people not only learn from one another but, through daily interactions with patients, refine (and sometime redesign) solutions that promote a better dispensary experience that elevates the patients’ physical, emotional and psychological wellness. We love what we do (no matter the obstacles we face) and thank you for the privilege of being a part of your lives. HERBAL ALTERNATIVES MISSION STATEMENT Herbal Alternatives mission is to promote and provide natural cannabis solutions that enhance the health and well-being of patients in a safe, open and caring environment designed and dedicated to respecting the rights of the individual and our community.