Verdes Cannabis operates dispensaries in Albuquerque, Rio Rancho, and Santa Fe, offering a comprehensive selection of flower, edibles, concentrates, tinctures, topicals, and pre-rolls. All products are cultivated pesticide-free using safety-controlled practices, with a dedicated research and development team that travels nationwide to source the best cannabis strains for medical applications.The company's unique approach centers on cannabis education, with CEO Rachael McLaughlin (a registered nurse) leading a staff that includes two additional registered nurses. Every customer service representative undergoes three intensive weeks of training through their Nurse Education Program, ensuring clients receive safe and accurate information. Patients can access free one-hour nursing consultations in private offices removed from the retail space.Recent expansion includes three new dispensaries, a state-of-the-art cultivation facility, and a multimillion-dollar edibles manufacturing facility featuring nutraceuticals, vitamins, and herbal extracts. Verdes works closely with the New Mexico Regulation and Licensing Department, exceeding all quality and regulatory requirements while maintaining their seed-to-sale quality control.
Verdes Cannabis began in 2010 when father-son duo Doug and Eric Speegle received their Licensed Non-Profit Producer license on December 31, 2010, making them one of New Mexico's longest-operating dispensaries. What started as a true family operation in a 2,000 square foot facility has grown into the state's leading cannabis provider, with Eric's wife Rachael (a registered nurse) initially working three 10-hour hospital shifts then spending four days in cultivation while managing administrative duties alongside Eric's mother Paula.The company has never accepted outside investors, maintaining family control through small family loans to keep their focus on medicine rather than profits. A pivotal moment came when Rachael realized nursing services could revolutionize the dispensary experience, leading her to quit her Presbyterian Hospital position in 2014 to create a new service-oriented model emphasizing patient support and education. Since then, Verdes has expanded to multiple locations across Albuquerque, Rio Rancho, and Santa Fe, employing over 100 New Mexicans while maintaining their commitment to family ownership and medically-informed cannabis education.
Verdes Cannabis strives to build healthier communities through education and safe access to quality cannabis, with their goal being to provide the highest quality cannabis products for the best possible outcome. Their wellness journey philosophy starts the moment customers walk through their doors, creating a supportive environment where clients feel empowered and informed.The company's mission focuses on inspiring healthier communities through education, safe access to quality cannabis, and partnering with employees to create meaningful careers. This commitment extends beyond business operations, as demonstrated by CEO Rachael McLaughlin's volunteer work as a COVID nurse for the Navajo Nation, reflecting the company's dedication to community service and social responsibility. Verdes positions themselves as cannabis matchmakers, connecting community members to the right products for their individual wellness needs while maintaining a holistic approach to better quality of life.
At Calm Effect, we're impressed by Verdes Cannabis's genuine commitment to medical-grade standards in both medical and recreational markets. Their nurse-led education program is unmatched—having registered nurses provide free consultations and train all staff through intensive three-week programs sets them apart from typical dispensaries.We appreciate their principled approach to business, refusing outside investors to maintain focus on medicine over profits. Their pesticide-free cultivation and nationwide strain sourcing demonstrate exceptional quality control that benefits deal-seekers looking for premium products. With over a decade of operation and expansion to multiple locations while maintaining family ownership, they've proven both stability and growth that savvy consumers value.Their investment in advanced manufacturing and nutraceutical integration shows innovation that keeps them ahead of market trends. For customers seeking education, quality, and authentic care, Verdes delivers an experience that justifies premium positioning while often offering competitive pricing through their established operations.