Pubdate: Fri, 13 Sep 2013
Source: Philadelphia Inquirer, The (PA)
Copyright: 2013 Philadelphia Newspapers Inc
Contact:  http://www.philly.com/inquirer/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/340
Author: Jan Hefler

MARIJUANA DISPENSARY SET TO EXPAND

South Jersey's first medical marijuana dispensary, which is expected 
to open Oct. 15, received an unusual approval for a $357,000 
low-interest loan Thursday from the state Economic Development 
Authority so that it can expand.

"I'm elated. ... This means the state recognizes us as a legitimate 
business," said Bill Thomas, CEO of Compassionate Care Foundation, 
which leases a former casino warehouse in Egg Harbor Township, near 
Atlantic City. He said the EDA had to consult with the Attorney 
General's Office for a legal opinion before approving the 4.65 percent loan.

The federal government still sees marijuana sales as illegal, but the 
Department of Justice issued guidelines last month saying it would 
not prosecute marijuana operations except in certain cases, such as 
when the proceeds are diverted to criminal enterprises or when the 
drug is shipped across state borders.

If the governor signs off on the loan, Thomas said, the money will be 
used to expand the dispensary's cultivation center and add equipment, 
including growing lights, tables, generators, and dehumidifiers. It 
also will allow the dispensary to hire 12 more people, up from the 
seven he currently employs.

With the funding, "we can triple our production from serving 500 
patients a month to 1,500 a month," he said. Thomas said the 
dispensary has the capacity to serve 1,500 patients at one time but 
then would have to wait three months to replenish supplies. The loan 
would allow more growing cycles so that the dispensary can 
continuously serve this many patients.

Though only about 1,200 patients have registered with the medical 
marijuana program, that number is expected to increase as more 
dispensaries open. So far, only one is open, in North Jersey.
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MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom