There are people who are deeply drawn to the power and possibility of cannabis—Casey Kornoelje is one of them.
In his high school years, Casey grew marijuana in his bedroom closet at home in Rockford, where he was living with his parents. Growing up in Alaska, his mom and dad operated a fishing boat business and lived a naturalistic lifestyle. “I’ve always been interested in cannabis,” he said. He continued to grow plants throughout high school and college—activities that resulted in a felony for marijuana possession (2002) and a misdemeanor charge (2004).
In 2008 when Michigan established its medical marijuana program, Casey became a caregiver and grew for patients in the Grand Rapids area. He graduated from Grand Valley State University that same year. Casey took a position with a West Michigan bank and worked in commercial banking while growing cannabis for six patients. “My heart is really in medical marijuana,” he said. As a caregiver, he developed close relationships with his patients and felt as if he was truly able to help people with a variety of medical issues. Casey even met his wife through the power of cannabis, when he was randomly assigned her father as a patient. Like many caregivers, Casey had an “aha” moment that came from his skill in growing—an excess of product. He set his sights on creating a cannabis growing operation in Grand Rapids. With property in the marijuana zones being scarce and expensive, growing wasn’t his best option, so he explored opening a retail cannabis business.
As Casey explored the City’s maps, he found a small section of property on the far end of Wealthy Street that was zoned for marijuana. He went door to door, talking to homeowners and asking if they were interested in selling their properties. An owner took his offer, and Pharmhouse Wellness took root. He went through several rigorous processes—licensing by the State of Michigan was the first. Due to past marijuana convictions he was almost denied, but in the end, the State marijuana board voted to award him a license. He also was lucky enough to draw an early Planning Commission hearing in the City of Grand Rapids’ lottery. His property was far from any churches or parks and moved easily to approval. From there it was rehabbing and prepping the old house to be a modern retail space and opening to the public.
Pharmhouse Wellness opened in March 2020 for medical cannabis sales and opened in December 2020 for recreational cannabis sales. Phase two of Pharmhouse, the grow and cultivation operation, began in May of 2022. Product is scheduled to hit the shelves in fall of 2022.
Casey, his wife, and daughters live in the City of Grand Rapids.
A new adventure awaits the Pham. The Kornoeljes are making a second home in New Buffalo, Michigan. The is will be Pharmhouse’s second location. The family was drawn to this location for its beautiful beaches and summer fun. New Buffalo is known as the gateway to Michigan and has 16 miles of sandy dune backed Lake Michigan shoreline. The town itself has a small homey feel to it, and the residents are so kind. Make Pharmhouse a stop on your next trip down state and be sure to tell your friends and family. We are looking forward to getting to know the locals too!
Pharmhouse Wellness prioritizes participation in the improvement of the local communities in which we operate by creating growth industry jobs, strategic and local sourcing and financial contributions to impactful community organizations.
As a small, local business, our knowledgeable staff will talk you through all of our offerings and make sure you have the best product for your needs. Questions? We’re happy to help.
As a small, local business, our knowledgeable staff will talk you through all of our offerings and make sure you have the best product for your needs. Questions? We’re happy to help.
PHARMHOUSE WELLNESS HAS AN INTERESTING CONNECTION WITH ALL TYPES OF FLOWERS, NOT JUST CANNABIS.
Before Pharmhouse Wellness, Casey and his wife Megan Kornoelje lived on a farm in Greenville where they grew flowers and produce to sell at farmer’s markets. The farm was called Jacob’s Acres, to commemorate Casey’s late brother, Jacob Kornoelje. Casey’s parents, Patti and Jim Kornoelje, were heavily involved at Jacob’s Acres as they are here at the Pharm. The Kornoeljes truly have strong green thumb genetics.
Pharmhouse Wellness earned its name when Casey decided to bring a bit of the farm from Greenville into their next chapter. This would be their new farm, where they would cultivate a different kind of flower; cannabis.
One morning in the Spring of 2022, Alaskan Jim (Casey’s Dad) planted the entire garden in the back of the dispensary by our gravel parking lot. Alaskan Jim was out there hacking away at Japanese knotweed, and planting everything you see in the garden, from seed! Jim did this for his wife Patti, who loves flowers, because he knew it would make her happy. This garden also brought a sentimental piece of Jacob’s Acres into the heart of Pharmhouse Wellness.
