Philadelphia Area's First Medical Marijuana Dispensaries Set To Open
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) - With product labels that say "Awake," "Balance," "Pain relief," and more, Keystone Shops in Devon is now open for business when it comes to medical marijuana.
"Finally I can legally consume cannabis," former Philadelphia Flyer Riley Cote said.
Cote, who uses marijuana for pain relief , is among the advocates on hand for the open house.
"I think the No. 1 use will be for treatment of pain across multiple conditions," Dr. M. Louis Van de Beek, the chief medical office for Keystone dispensary, explained.
People with "serious medical conditions" - 17 defined by the state - will be able to purchase medical marijuana if they have id cards and a recommendation from a state-approved medical practitioner.
"What will basically be available here will be pills capsules sub-lingual type preparations, oils and certain topical preparations," Dr. M. Louis Van de Beek said.
Michael Badey, CEO of Keystone says costs will range from $50 dollar s to $120.
"Right now there's a very, very limited supply, so cost is slightly more expensive right now but it's not, I don't believe it's prohibitive," Badey said. "And I don't think a lot of the people here who want relief will think its prohibitive either."
Erica Daniels says medical marijuana has been a life changer for her 12-year-old son who's autistic.
"I have not seen another treatment that show such dramatic results in terms of autistic-like symptoms like anxiety, OCD, meltdowns, things like that, so he's much happier," she said. "We can function as a family better,do things that we couldn't do before.
Those opposed to the legalization of medical marijuana say there isn't enough scientific evidence about its benefits or safety and there are concerns about security .
At Terra Vida Holistic Center, at 64 North Main St. in Sellersville, Bucks County, they're already taking several dozen calls a day.
"We're really thrilled for our patients to be able to bring them the relief they've been waiting for years and years," says president Chris Visco.
People who have a "serious medical condition" -- there are 17 of them defined by the state -- can stop by with their medical marijuana ID cards.
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Pills, oils, ointments, liquids, and vaporized forms are among the products available.
One ongoing challenge is getting more doctors on board with the state program.
"Ultimately, the physicians are the gatekeepers," Shuda says. "Only physicians who've completed the four-hour continuing medical education class can register or certify patients."
Visco notes they chose their spot in Upper Bucks because it will help communities that are underserved.
"We're listening to the most heartbreaking stories you've ever heard," she says. "Cancer patients who've been stuck in their homes for years. Mothers who have autistic children, and children with epilepsy, who are going to be able to legally treat their children. A 7-year-old brain cancer patient whose parents are extremely hopeful this will help save his life."
