Matt Paterini, PharmD, interviews Joseph Friedman, RPh., CEO at Professional Dispensaries of Illinois, (PDI) Medical LLC. From the moment Illinois’ Medical Cannabis program was signed into law, he became deeply involved in the complex process of positioning himself to open one or more medical cannabis dispensaries in Illinois.

On February 2, 2015, Illinois’ Governor Bruce Rauner conditionally awarded permits to operate medical cannabis dispensaries in Illinois. Friedman’s high scoring application was one of 57 granted a license. Friedman has a pharmacy degree from the University of Illinois College of Pharmacy, and a MBA from Illinois’ Lake Forest Graduate School of Management. Through Friedman’s efforts, PDI Medical will become the first accredited dispensary in the nation through Ohio based NMMAO (National Medical Marijuana Accreditation Organization).

Friedman has also orchestrated the first ever pharmacy student “clinical” rotation at a medical cannabis dispensary. PDI Medical is working with two Chicago-based colleges of pharmacy; Roosevelt University College of Pharmacy, and Chicago State University College of Pharmacy. Pharmacy student rotations began October 3, 2016. This unique clinical rotation has been a tremendous success for the patients of PDI Medical, and the young pharmacy students involved.

He was Director of Pharmacy at Topco Associates LLC, and was Senior Director of Pharmacy Marketing at the Nash Company in Minneapolis. Friedman has become a content expert in the scientific, legal, social, political, and financial challenges facing U.S. entrants to the burgeoning medical cannabis industry.

Friedman has set the record for the most interviewed guest on The Pharmacy Podcast. His 4th interview occurred on a special “420” edition of the podcast show released on April 20, 2017. The Pharmacy Podcast show is accessed by thousands of pharmacists throughout the world. Through the Pharmacy Podcast network, Friedman is now the host of his own monthly podcast show, The Medical Potcast.

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