New Jersey state approval last month for six new medicinal marijuana integrated dispensaries means more access to the drug for patients in need, but not without some controversy for the communities involved.
Columbia Care, LLC, one of the largest marijuana companies in the nation, is on track to start operation in Vineland soon. This comes as a result of its selection to apply for permits to open a medical marijuana growing facility and dispensary in connection with Governor Phil Murphy’s policy of expanding the state’s Medical Marijuana Program (MMP). The firm already operates in 13 other states.
Columbia Care and the other five successful applicants were picked on merit from a pool of 146 proposals from more than 100 different companies. A special inter-agency panel connected to the state Department of Health chose two companies from each region of the state—North, Central, and South.
The other new dispensary in southern New Jersey is MPX New Jersey in Atlantic City, which will cultivate in Galloway Township. Already, there are two established locations in the south region—Compassionate Care Foundation in Egg Harbor Township and Curaleaf in Bellmawr.