Politics & Government

Montclair Store Gets Final Permit to Sell Medical Marijuana

The state Department of Health issued the go-ahead to Greenleaf Compassion Center earlier today.

Marijuana is coming to Montclair.

The state issued the first medical marijuana permit in the state to the Greenleaf Compassion Center, located at 395 Bloomfield Ave.

The dispensary will be located across the street from the popular Wellmont Theatre in the midst of the township’s bustling downtown restaurant and business area.

Find out what's happening in Montclairwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

The state Department of Health granted the permit on Monday after a final inspection of the store. The medical marijuana dispensary is referred to as an “Alternative Treatment Center” according to the state. 

Greenleaf may open for business whenever it is ready. The owners of Greenleaf were unable to be reached for comment but their owners spoke to a Philadelphia publication earlier this summer about the new store. In the coming week, patients and caregivers will receive identification cards for the Medicinal Marijuana Program, according to the health department's announcement. Greenleaf can also begin contacting patients to schedule appointments. 

Find out what's happening in Montclairwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

According to the department, there are 320 patients who have registered or who are in the process of registering for the state program. There are more than 175 physicians in the state -- 16 of which are located in Essex County -- who have signed up to prescribe medical marijuana. 

There are five other treatment centers which are currently seeking a permit from the state, according to the Department of Health

"This permit marks a significant step forward in the implementation of New Jersey's Medicinal Marijuana Program and allows Greenleaf Compassion Center to begin dispensing medicinal marijuana to qualified patients," said New Jersey Health Commissioner Mary E. O'Dowd in a prepared statement. "The Department is working with all [Alternative Treatment Centers] to ensure the program serves patients safely and securely."


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