Colorado Company Considers Clinton County for Medical Marijuana Processing Facility
LOCK HAVEN — A local official has confirmed that a Colorado company is looking at Clinton County for the possible location of a medical marijuana processing facility.
The state legislature earlier this year approved the state’s first Medical Marijuana Program. Gov. Tom Wolf signed the legislation into law in April. In addition to establishing the ground rules for dispensing the drug, the measure allows for up to 25 grower/processor facilities across the state.
Mike Flanagan, head of the Clinton County Economic Partnership, today confirmed to The Record the CCEP has heard from a southeastern Pennsylvania consultant representing a prospective developer from Colorado. As explained to Flanagan, marijuana would be grown in a controlled environment and converted to a serum.
He said the developer is looking for an already constructed building in which to locate the growing/processing operation; 50 jobs would be provided. Flanagan said initial contact was made with local economic development officials about a month ago.
He was told Clinton County was being considered because Interstate 80 provides prompt access to medical facilities in the mid-state area. Flanagan said he has been in touch with local officials and the Partnership’s operating board to obtain feedback; an operating committee meeting is scheduled for next week.
Those interested in pursuing a state license must submit a non-refundable fee of $10,000 plus a permit fee of $200,000 which would be refunded if the permit is not be approved.
The state Health Department, charged with implementing the new program, said that studies have shown “that medical marijuana can assist patients suffering from serious medical conditions by alleviating pain and improving their quality of life.”
Implementation of the medical marijuana program is expected to take between 18 and 24 months in Pennsylvania. A health department bulletin said when completed the program will offer medical marijuana to patients under a doctor’s care for the treatment of a serious medical condition.
