New medical marijuana dispensary opening in Central Pa. – Central Penn Business Journal

Independent grower/processor of medical marijuana Terrapin announced the opening of its second Pennsylvania dispensary. 

Located in Lewisburg/Kelly Township, the Terrapin Care Station grand opening will take place on Feb. 20, at 400 International Drive at 11 a.m. A soft launch will be held Monday. Terrapin’s store hours are 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Monday through Saturday, and 10 a.m.-6 p.m. on Sunday. 

“It is a privilege to bring Terrapin’s mission to life by planting roots in underserved communities,” Chris Woods, founder and CEO of Terrapin, said in a statement. “We are dedicated to being a genuine community partner, actively engaging and supporting individuals in their pursuit of a better quality of life. We are excited to open our doors in Lewisburg/Kelly Township and look forward to building meaningful relationships with our neighbors.” 

The grand opening event comes a month after Terrapin opened its first Pennsylvania dispensary in Bellefonte, located at 205 Park Place. The dispensary openings come a little more than a year after Gov. Josh Shapiro signed legislation allowing qualified independent Medical Marijuana Operators to open up to three dispensaries. Terrapin, one of the state’s oldest growers/processors, was the first to take advantage of the new law.  

Terrapin will support Lewisburg-based DIG Furniture Bank, its nonprofit partner for the Lewisburg location. Terrapin is hosting a donation drive on behalf of DIG, asking patrons to donate new household cleaning and personal hygiene products for the nonprofit’s Housewarming Basket Program. Patients who donate items will receive a special gift bag of Terrapin merchandise while supplies last. 

Lewisburg and Bellefonte are the first of three locations Terrapin plans to open this year. One additional location is planned for Lock Haven, with an opening date to be announced in the coming weeks. Terrapin will hire approximately 43 employees between the three locations, adding to economic development in rural parts of the state.  

Through these three locations, Terrapin aims to meet the needs of underserved regions of the medical marijuana program. The Department of Health has identified Clinton County in Lock Haven as an underserved area, with the closest dispensaries located more than 45 miles away. Bellefonte and Lewisburg will also provide better options for patients who currently have to drive more than 30 miles in some areas to access critical medicine.

Terrapin’s dispensaries will be the first to open in the region in over three years for the Lock Haven area, and over two years for the Bellefonte area. The first 50 patients to visit the dispensary each day Thursday, Feb. 20 through Saturday, Feb. 22 will receive a T-shirt commemorating the dispensary opening. All patients will receive a 30% discount during the grand opening from Thursday, Feb. 20, to Sunday, Feb. 23.  

“Having Terrapin join our local business community is a great opportunity for Lewisburg, Kelly Township and the overall Central Pennsylvania region,” said Tea Jay Aikey, president and CEO of the Central PA Chamber of Commerce. “We look forward to collaborating to benefit our residents, visitors, and fellow businesses.” 

Since its establishment in 2009, Terrapin has contributed over $1.5 million to local nonprofits. 

“We are grateful for the opportunity to partner with Terrapin to further our mission and strengthen our impact in the community,” said Emily Gorski, founder of DIG Furniture Bank. “Their continued support and dedication to our organization will create a lasting, positive difference for residents of the Lewisburg area.”