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Pennsylvania's careful rollout of legalized medical marijuana took its first big step Tuesday with the announcement of the state's first 12 growing permits.
Two permits were issued for each of six regions in the state, divided by north and south lines of Eastern, Central and Western Pennsylvania. For Southeastern Pennsylvania, the two permits were granted to Franklin Labs and Prime Wellness of Pennsylvania, Philly Mag reports. Both plan to operate in Bucks County.
Franklin Labs counts as one of its board members John Hanger, formerly secretary of multiple state departments under Gov. Tom Wolf — Policy and Planning, Environmental Protection and the Public Utility Commission. The company owns a sizable growing operation in Colorado, is affiliated with Garden State Dispensary in New Jersey and plans to operate out of Reading.
Prime Wellness reportedly has locations in Connecticut, Massachusetts and New Hampshire, and is likely to operate at an industrial park in Sinking Spring. Though 12 growing permits were issued Tuesday, the number is expected to grow to 25 in short order, and the 27 permits for dispensaries are expected to be announced next week. The governor's office expects medical marijuana products will be available to patients in 2018.
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