Robert Celt
New Member
It's unclear if Valley farmers have a future in growing marijuana for medicinal purposes.
Speaking just three days after Gov. Tom Wolf signed the medical marijuana bill into law, Benjamin Ranck, representing state Rep. Fred Keller, R-85, of Kreamer, had few answers during Tuesday's meeting of the Greater Susquehanna Valley Chamber of Commerce's Agricultural Committee.
Ranck spoke primarily about the rules and regulations that will govern the process
Bob Garrett, president and CEO of the chamber, invited Ranck to the meeting to answer committee members' questions. Garrett speculated that regional farmers could have a future in growing marijuana, "given that the Valley has a long history of agriculture."
But Ranck said he doesn't know how much income the Valley could make from the venture.
"If I was in the business of guessing, I would have won the Powerball," he said. However, he told the committee that only 25 growers-processors and 50 distributors, with no greater than five locations for distributors, will be given permits by the state Department of Health.
According to the bill, the initial and non-refundable cost to apply for a permit will be $10,000 for growers and $5,000 for distributors.
If the applicant is approved through the process, he will have to pay $200,000 for a one-year growers permit or $30,000 per location for distributors.
"It isn't like mom-and-pop farms are going to start growing marijuana," Ranck said.
Applicants will be required to undergo a criminal history check, provide a description of their business plans, a verification of all people involved with the business and a description of what each person does for the business and where they live and release information from governmental agencies, employers and other organizations.
The Department of Health also requires a statement that the applicant has the ability to quickly get the necessary land and tools to develop a marijuana business and can create an effective security system to protect the product.
Ranck said there will be a program that monitors a database of all medical marijuana organizations, identification and certification cards, and practitioner registration.
He also said medical marijuana growers will have to create an electronic inventory tracking system that the Department of Health can access, an indoor and secure facility with electronic locking systems and surveillance, a system to track plant waste, test their product at an independent laboratory, follow the department's shipping regulations and report their business' health every three months.
The bill said the marijuana distributor must have a licensed health care provider that has completed a mandated course on site at all times, send receipt information to the Department of Health and present information on marijuana safety to customers.
Rob Davidson, an attorney at RHP Law Group, said he thinks the legalization of marijuana for medical purposes will be like the legalization of gambling. He said Pennsylvania originally legalized casinos and slot machines in 2004, only to start allowing table gambling in 2010.
"They have their foot in the door, so it will start expanding the changes," said Davidson. "Who knows where we will end up?"
Garrett said he wants to learn more about marijuana as a possible way to enhance the Valley's economy.
"What we haven't heard is that there is going to be an upside," said Garrett.
News Moderator: Robert Celt 420 MAGAZINE ®
Full Article: PA: Can Local Farmers Cash In On Medical Marijuana?
Author: Emma Ginader
Contact: The Daily Item
Photo Credit: None found
Website: The Daily Item
Speaking just three days after Gov. Tom Wolf signed the medical marijuana bill into law, Benjamin Ranck, representing state Rep. Fred Keller, R-85, of Kreamer, had few answers during Tuesday's meeting of the Greater Susquehanna Valley Chamber of Commerce's Agricultural Committee.
Ranck spoke primarily about the rules and regulations that will govern the process
Bob Garrett, president and CEO of the chamber, invited Ranck to the meeting to answer committee members' questions. Garrett speculated that regional farmers could have a future in growing marijuana, "given that the Valley has a long history of agriculture."
But Ranck said he doesn't know how much income the Valley could make from the venture.
"If I was in the business of guessing, I would have won the Powerball," he said. However, he told the committee that only 25 growers-processors and 50 distributors, with no greater than five locations for distributors, will be given permits by the state Department of Health.
According to the bill, the initial and non-refundable cost to apply for a permit will be $10,000 for growers and $5,000 for distributors.
If the applicant is approved through the process, he will have to pay $200,000 for a one-year growers permit or $30,000 per location for distributors.
"It isn't like mom-and-pop farms are going to start growing marijuana," Ranck said.
Applicants will be required to undergo a criminal history check, provide a description of their business plans, a verification of all people involved with the business and a description of what each person does for the business and where they live and release information from governmental agencies, employers and other organizations.
The Department of Health also requires a statement that the applicant has the ability to quickly get the necessary land and tools to develop a marijuana business and can create an effective security system to protect the product.
Ranck said there will be a program that monitors a database of all medical marijuana organizations, identification and certification cards, and practitioner registration.
He also said medical marijuana growers will have to create an electronic inventory tracking system that the Department of Health can access, an indoor and secure facility with electronic locking systems and surveillance, a system to track plant waste, test their product at an independent laboratory, follow the department's shipping regulations and report their business' health every three months.
The bill said the marijuana distributor must have a licensed health care provider that has completed a mandated course on site at all times, send receipt information to the Department of Health and present information on marijuana safety to customers.
Rob Davidson, an attorney at RHP Law Group, said he thinks the legalization of marijuana for medical purposes will be like the legalization of gambling. He said Pennsylvania originally legalized casinos and slot machines in 2004, only to start allowing table gambling in 2010.
"They have their foot in the door, so it will start expanding the changes," said Davidson. "Who knows where we will end up?"
Garrett said he wants to learn more about marijuana as a possible way to enhance the Valley's economy.
"What we haven't heard is that there is going to be an upside," said Garrett.
News Moderator: Robert Celt 420 MAGAZINE ®
Full Article: PA: Can Local Farmers Cash In On Medical Marijuana?
Author: Emma Ginader
Contact: The Daily Item
Photo Credit: None found
Website: The Daily Item
