A new medical marijuana dispensary opened last week in Hempfield and is expected to bring more than 30 jobs to the area, according to the Westmoreland County Chamber of Commerce.
Curaleaf Greensburg is located at 5133 Route 30 in the former Pep Boys location near Westmoreland Mall.
“The location was attractive to Curaleaf for many reasons, especially because it presents an additional opportunity to provide the patients of Greensburg and the surrounding communities resources, education, accessibility and unparalleled patient care through high-quality products backed by science,” said Beth Ferracone, director of retail marketing.
The Massachusetts-based company has 14 locations across Pennsylvania and 125 dispensaries in the United States.
The Hempfield dispensary is one of several that have opened recently in the county. Others include Maitri Medicinals in Southwest Greensburg, Beyond/Hello in North Huntingdon, Delta 9 PA in Greensburg, The Rise dispensary in Unity and Sunnyside Medical Cannabis Dispensary in New Kensington.
At Curaleaf, patients can purchase products in-store, place order reservations online or pick up pre-orders in the store or curbside, Ferracone said. Patients also can consult with licensed pharmacists about their medication and dosage, she said.
Pharmacists offer guidance and education around medical marijuana and Pennsylvania laws to help patients make the right choice for their individual needs.
The dispensary sells a variety of medical marijuana products including flower — the part of the cannabis plant that’s harvested for consumption — vape cartridges, topical ointments and tinctures, a cannabis-infused liquid. Products sold by Curaleaf are produced by state-licensed cultivators and lab tested.
According to Lisa Kennedy, membership director with the county chamber of commerce, the facility will bring 31 jobs to the area.
“It’s exactly what the commissioners are saying they want for this area is to keep the youth,” said Kennedy, noting the jobs are for younger people.
In addition to operating the dispensary, Curaleaf also supports various organizations within the community. As part of the grand opening Thursday, the company donated $5,000 to Balanced Veterans, a national organization that works to create a safe space for education, advocacy and empowerment of alternative therapies for veterans.
Curaleaf is opening a location in Chester County on Jan. 27. Two other locations in Erie and at State College are expected to open by the end of February, pending regulatory approval.
Other Pennsylvania locations include Altoona, Bradford, Brookville, DuBois, Gettysburg, Harrisburg, Horsham, King of Prussia, Lebanon, Morton and two in Philadelphia.
