Planting local roots: Terrapin opens medical marijuana dispensary in Bellefonte

Terrapin, one of Pennsylvania’s oldest growers and processors of medical marijuana, marked the grand opening of its first dispensary in Pennsylvania in Bellefonte on Thursday, aiming to expand access to cannabis to underserved areas of the state.

The grand opening of Bellefonte’s Terrapin Care Station comes a year after Democratic Governor Josh Shaprio signed legislation, known as Act 63, which allows qualified independent Medical Marijuana Operators to open up to three dispensaries. One of the first 12 initial recipients in 2017 of a Pennsylvania medical cannabis grower/processor license, Terrapin is the first business to take advantage of the new law.

The Jan. 9 grand opening of Terrapin’s Bellefonte dispensary at 205 Park Place featured remarks from Terrapin’s Vice President of Communications Peter Marcus and COO Bradd Rigoni, along with free merchandise and a ribbon-cutting ceremony.

“Our mission has always been to bring flower to the people, and with this dispensary we have an opportunity today to plant even stronger roots in the community,” said Marcus.

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Bellefonte’s Terrapin Care Station at 205 Park Place in Bellefonte held its grand opening Thursday morning.

The event also included recognition of community partners, such as the Bellefonte Intervalley Area Chamber of Commerce, and local leaders in attendance, including Bellefonte Borough Manager Ralph Stewart, Borough Council President Barbara Dann, Zoning & Planning Administrator Gina Thompson and patient advocates from the Green Bridge Society, among others.

Terrapin’s Bellefonte location is the first of three dispensaries the company plans to open in the region in the coming months. Additional locations are planned for Lock Haven, in Woodward Township, and Lewisburg, in Kelly Township, with opening dates yet to be announced.

“Through these three locations, Terrapin aims to meet the needs of underserved regions of the medical cannabis program,” said Terrapin in a statement.

The Pa. Department of Health has identified Clinton County as an underserved area in the commonwealth’s Medical Marijuana Program, with the closest dispensaries to Lock Haven located more than 45 miles away. The Bellefonte and Lewisburg locations will also provide better options for patients who currently have to drive more than 30 miles to access medical marijuana products.

“It is going to be easier to get my medication now, instead of having to constantly run up to State College,” said David Payne, a Terrapin patient and Bellefonte resident, who was pleased that the new location would save him gas money.

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FaithCentre, Terrapin’s nonprofit partner for its Bellefonte location, organized a canned food drive to accompany the grand opening festivities. Patients who donate will receive a special gift bag of Terrapin merchandise, while supplies last.

Terrapin’s dispensaries will be the first to open in the Lock Haven area in over three years and in the Bellefonte area in over two years.

“It is an honor to live out the mission of Terrapin by establishing roots in underserved communities,” said Chris Woods, founder and CEO of Terrapin. “We are committed to being a true community partner who plays an active and engaged role in helping all individuals live the best quality of life. We are thrilled to open our doors in Bellefonte and to get to know and serve our neighbors.”

Woods, who grew up in Bucks County, attended Penn State University and earned a bachelor of science degree in bioengineering. He also earned a master of science in applied math from the University of Colorado. Woods’ dream, according to the Terrapin website, was to bring cannabis reform and operations to his home state.

Terrapin officially began serving patients in Bellefonte on Monday, ahead of Thursday’s grand opening. The location will employ 14 people, contributing to a total of 43 employees across the company’s three new dispensaries.

Bellefonte Borough Manager Ralph Stewart said of the opening that “Bellefonte is fortunate to have Terrapin join our local business community. We look forward to working collaboratively for the benefit of our residents, visitors and fellow businesses.”

As part of its mission to contribute to the communities it serves, Terrapin is supporting FaithCentre Food Bank, its nonprofit partner for the Bellefonte location. In celebration of the opening, and in cooperation with FaithCentre, Terrapin organized a canned food drive. Patients who donate will receive a special gift bag of Terrapin merchandise, while supplies last.

“Through its partnership with FaithCentre Food Bank, Terrapin plans to forge an ongoing relationship to provide monetary support, paid employee volunteer hours to grow awareness for its mission,” said Terrapin in a statement.

As part of their employment package, Terrapin offers its employees paid time off every month to volunteer in the community, furthering the company’s mission.

“We feel very fortunate to partner with Terrapin to elevate our mission and impact within the community,” said Executive Director of the FaithCentre Food Bank Nicole Summers. “Their ongoing support and commitment to our organization will have a lasting, positive impact on Bellefonte’s residents.”

In December, Terrapin employees participated in a Toys for Tots donation event, assisting FaithCentre with bagging selected holiday gifts for registered clients of the nonprofit.

Terrapin says they have donated over $1.5 million to charity since their founding in Boulder, Colo., in 2009.

As a perk for new patients, the first 150 people to visit Terrapin Bellefonte will receive a special T-shirt commemorating the grand opening. Additionally, all patients will receive a 30 percent discount on their orders through Sunday.

Terrapin Bellefonte’s store hours are 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Sunday.

For more information, please visit terrapincarestation.com.