Takoma Wellness Center

Takoma Wellness Center opened their doors on August 1, 2013 in memory of Jules and Libby Reifkind; the parents of Stephanie Kahn(Founder of Takoma Wellness Center). The Reifkinds grew up in Washington DC and Jules only lived a few blocks from what would become Takoma Wellness Center. In the early 60’s, he was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis, and spent years looking for relief, as there was no medication that could help him. 

In the early 70’s one of his doctors recommended he try cannabis. He was reluctant to do that. Cannabis in the 70s wasn’t like how it is perceived now. However, he did try it and found it very helpful with his nerve pain, muscle spasms and overall quality of life. It was difficult to get cannabis, but he used it when he could until he passed away in 2005. Shortly, after four years of his passing, Libby was diagnosed with cancer in 2009 and passed just a few months later. Her doctor recommended cannabis for her severe lack of appetite, but she was unable to obtain it as it remained illegal. The law to allow medical dispensaries in DC passed a few months later, when the Kahn family was trying to think of what they could do in their memory. Stephanie, already being a nurse and Jeff, a rabbi, decided to open a medical dispensary.

A place Stephanie’s parents should have had access to. They asked Josh Kahn(their son who was living in Israel) to help them open up. He came to DC, helped for two days and returned back to Israel. He knew his parents needed him, but they were reluctant to ask. On the next day, he returned to help his family with Takoma Wellness full time, and they have been opened ever since.

The first and longest continually open dispensary in Washington DC. we tell our patients this story so they know how personal this is to us. That were not corporate nor hold a corporate mindset. We want every single patient to have the best experience possible here. We are carrying on the legacy of Stephanie’s parents. It’s not about the dollar value, it’s the value we receive knowing that we are helping those who really need it.