ASA in the News

By Mike Lewis for the Herald-Mail

Patients of the dispensary will have free access to the Cannabis Care Certification Patient Education Program created by Americans for Safe Access Foundation.

Washington County’s first medical marijuana dispensary could open in the next few weeks.

Maryland Health & Wellness Center announced Friday afternoon that it has been awarded a dispensary license by the Maryland Medical Cannabis Commission.

In a news release, the company said a proposed soft opening date for patients is the middle to end of June. A grand opening also is being planned.

The dispensary will be in a remodeled bank branch building at 1571 Wesel Blvd.

According to building permit information available in October, the company planned to make about $250,000 worth of renovations to transform the building into the dispensary.

At the dispensary, patients certified under the state’s medical marijuana program could buy — but not use — cannabis flowers, topical medicines and other forms of the substance, Sean Scranton, the company’s chief operating officer, said at the time.

As of Monday, 2,402 Washington County patients had registered to receive medical cannabis for conditions that range from anorexia to seizures to post-traumatic stress disorder, according to the cannabis commission’s website.

“A key concern for the MHWC is the creation of local jobs and local hiring. We have staffed operations with greater than 95% of Washington County residents and its surrounding communities,” Colleen Pattalochi, executive chairwoman said in the release.

The dispensary will employ about 10 people initially. The company plans to begin with dispensary hours of 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. seven days a week, although those could be changed once company officials can assess the local need.

The release stated that Maryland Health & Wellness Center intends “to deliver high-quality cannabis through a combination of compassionate customer service (and) an efficient health care experience, in a safe, warm environment. We are guided by the knowledge that our products are used by people who wish to alleviate their suffering, manage their diseases, and restore their health. Our dedication to the quality, purity and safety of our cannabis products and establishment are evident in our adherence to the industry-leading best practices and policies.”

Patients of the dispensary will have free access to the Cannabis Care Certification Patient Education Program created by Americans for Safe Access Foundation.

Currently, the closest licensed dispensaries are in Frederick and Cumberland, according to the cannabis commission’s website.