Center City, Philadelphia’s First Dispensary Opens

[dropcap class=”kp-dropcap”]C[/dropcap]enter City, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania’s first medical cannabis dispensary opened last week with balloons and news crews.

Beyond/Hello, part of the multi-state Franklin Group, opened last Thursday in downtown Philadelphia under a balloon archway and news cameras.

“You want be very cognizant of the individual cities that you’re going into, making sure that you’re talking to neighborhood associations,” said Blythe Huestis, Beyond/Hello president and director of retail operations, to Next City. “You just need to dot your I’s and cross your T’s . . . Fortunately, people were pretty receptive to this, so I think Center City is ready for this.”

Legislators may be ready for cannabis in the city as well. City Councilmember Derek S. Green introduced a bill that would allow voters a voice in the city’s decision regarding  changing its Home Rule Charter to allow for recreational cannabis. Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Wolf has spoken suggesting the state should consider legalization, and Green echoed that sentiment and said it is an  “appropriate time” for city residents to consider if they want cannabis legalized. The legislation will be considered next week.

“Although we can’t force a decision being made at the state level, we can get the input of citizens in the city of Philadelphia to get their thoughts on whether this is a good or bad idea,” Green said.

The Center City location was the place for a cannabis conference held during Beyond/Hello’s open house that brought in hundreds of people who want to learn more about medical cannabis and its role in health and wellness. Currently, state legislators are considering decriminalization and legalization bills in the state legislature.

Medical cannabis has been available in Pennsylvania for just under a year. The Beyond/Hello chain was approved for twelve locations in Pennsylvania and is already planning a second downtown location and has another open location in Bristol Township.