According to an informal survey of dispensaries by the Inquirer, Medical marijuana patients in Pennsylvania are using cannabis to treat chronic pain more than any other affliction. Chris Visco, president of TerraVida Holistic Centers, the state’s largest medical marijuana retailer by volume, stated that, “between 60 to 70 percent of our patients are using the medicine for pain.” Patients report using medical marijuana to help with cancer, multiple sclerosis and post-traumatic stress disorder. TerraVida was the first to open a dispensary in Eastern Pennsylvania. With what appears to be the state’s largest cannabis product “menu,” TerraVida has completed 56,000 patient transactions so far this year.
Solevo Wellness, which is based in Pittsburgh and has two operating storefronts, is considered by marijuana growers to be the state’s second largest retailer. Sam Britz Solevo’s chief operating officer, said patients are using cannabis to treat multiple sclerosis, epilepsy, and autism. Compassionate Certification Centers, based in Western Pennsylvania, has certified about 10,000 of the state’s patients. About 65 percent of those patients are asking for medical marijuana to treat chronic pain. About 15 percent need it for PTSD and others are asking for it to treat various illnesses including cancer, inflammatory bowel diseases like Crohn’s, MS, and opiate-substitution therapy.
The state department of health reported that it has registered 84,000 patients. Of those registered patients, 55,000 have received cards from Harrisburg allowing them to purchase marijuana at any one of the state’s 37 operating dispensaries. The state has approved the use of marijuana to treat any of 21 serious medical conditions from autism to terminal illness. Pain, PTSD, and opioid-use disorder are the most common ailments reported to staff pharmacists. Patients primarily buy vape cartridges and pens. Cresco, Standard Farms, and Moxie are the chain’s most popular brands.
Frank T. Luciano is a highly successful and experienced drug crime attorney operating in multiple areas throughout Northern New Jersey, including Hackensack, Jersey City, Elmwood Park and Fort Lee. In nearly 40 years as a criminal defense attorney, there is almost no legal situation that Mr. Luciano has not seen and successfully navigated his clients through.
Give yourself the best chance at a positive legal outcome by contacting Frank T. Luciano’s New Jersey law office immediately at 973-471-0004.