Lewisburg’s new medical marijuana dispensary celebrates grand opening

Listen to this article

Independent grower/processor of medical marijuana Terrapin celebrated the grand opening of its second Pennsylvania dispensary.

The dispensary is located at 400 International Drive in Lewisburg/Kelly Township.

“It is a privilege to bring Terrapin’s mission to life by planting roots in underserved communities,” Chris Woods, founder and CEO of Terrapin, said in a statement. “We are dedicated to being a genuine community partner, actively engaging and supporting individuals in their pursuit of a better quality of life. We are thrilled to have opened our doors in Lewisburg/Kelly Township and look forward to building meaningful relationships with our neighbors.”

The grand opening occurred a month after Terrapin opened its first Pennsylvania dispensary in Bellefonte, located at 205 Park Place. The dispensary openings followed a little more than a year after Gov. Josh Shapiro signed legislation allowing qualified independent Medical Marijuana Operators to open up to three dispensaries. Terrapin, one of the state’s oldest growers/processors, was the first to take advantage of the new law.

Lewisburg and Bellefonte are the first of three locations Terrapin plans to open this year. One additional location is scheduled for Lock Haven in Woodward Township. Terrapin is hiring approximately 43 employees between the three locations, contributing to economic development in rural parts of the state.

According to a release, Terrapin looks to meet the needs of underserved regions of the medical marijuana program through its three locations. The Department of Health identified Clinton County as an underserved area, with the closest dispensaries located more than 45 miles away. Bellefonte and Lewisburg are also providing options for patients who previously had to drive more than 30 miles to access critical medicine.

Terrapin’s dispensaries are the first to open in the region in over three years for the Lock Haven area and over two years for the Bellefonte area.

“Having Terrapin join our local business community is a great opportunity for Lewisburg, Kelly Township, and the overall Central Pennsylvania region,” said Tea Jay Aikey, President and CEO of the Central PA Chamber of Commerce. “We look forward to collaborating to benefit our residents, visitors, and fellow businesses.”

The first 50 patients to visit the dispensary through Saturday will receive a special T-shirt commemorating the dispensary opening. Additionally, all patients received a 30% discount through Sunday.

Established in 2009, Terrapin has contributed over $1.5 million to local nonprofits.

“We are grateful for the opportunity to partner with Terrapin to further our mission and strengthen our impact in the community,” said Emily Gorski, founder of DIG Furniture Bank. “Their continued support and dedication to our organization are creating a lasting, positive difference for residents of the Lewisburg area.”