Second medical marijuana dispensary approved

A contract has been signed for a second compassion center for Delawareans who use medical marijuana.
Columbia Care, a national medical marijuana company, has been licensed to grow and dispense medical marijuana for qualifying patients in Delaware.

Columbia Care’s cultivation and manufacturing facility and its pharmacy are expected to open in the second half of 2017.

Columbia Care is the designated dispensary for Kent County. First State Compassion Center is the designated center for New Castle County. The state is currently finalizing a contract for Sussex County, said Emily Knearl, public health communications director.

“Our organization is delighted and honored to be selected as one of Delaware’s operators,” said Columbia Care CEO Nicholas Vita. “On behalf of our Delaware-based team and the entire national organization, we are so thankful for this opportunity and privilege.  We commit to work tirelessly with all of Delaware’s stakeholders to provide access to the highest quality medicine and customer service. As the first state to ratify the Constitution, Delaware has a storied history of demonstrating national leadership while maintaining its unique sense of community.  We will endeavor to contribute to the fabric of the First State.”

Columbia Care has been approved to dispense cannabis in six other states. The company said security will be provided by professionals with law enforcement backgrounds using leading security methods.