Marking a milestone that links patients to treatment, Keystone Canna Remedies (KCR), today opened a medical marijuana dispensary in Bethlehem. The facility is the first of its kind in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.
"Our professional and personal experiences in patient care, particularly in treating patients experiencing serious medical issues, and our profound commitment to improving their quality of life form the foundation of Keystone Canna Remedies," said Victor Guadagnino, Founder and Chief Business Development Officer. "Our on-site cannabis expert and pharmacist, combined with our patient care model of personal and comprehensive consultations, and, premium product selections from state-regulated sources will transform the lives of patients currently suffering and in some cases, experiencing significant hardship."
Guadagnino commended the Pennsylvania Department of Health for their approach in developing the program citing the involvement of physicians and the creation of the medical advisory board comprised of medical, patient/caregiver, regulatory and law enforcement representatives.
The dispensary will be operated by Victor J. Guadagnino, M.D., Chief Medical Officer; Joan Guadagnino, Chief Operating Officer; Victor Guadagnino, Chief Business Development Officer; Patricia Gregory, Vice President and General Counsel; and, Bradley Carlson, Director of Pharmacy.
Many state, regional and local officials and business community members joined KCR officials to mark the opening of the dispensary. Pennsylvania's Acting Secretary of Health and State Physician General, Dr. Rachel Levine, spoke fervently about the need for the new medical marijuana program and the positive impact the medical treatment will have on patients as well as their caregivers and family members."
Also in attendance were physicians from across the region, Greater Lehigh Valley Chamber of Commerce President Tony Iannelli, Pennsylvania State Rep. Steve Samuelson and members of the greater Lehigh Valley business community.
Former Philadelphia Flyers Enforcer Riley Cote offered support for the program, noting painful sports injuries from years of playing in the National Hockey League.
"It's an exciting day for Pennsylvania," Cote noted. "Today marks the beginning of compassionate healthcare for patients in the Keystone State. Cannabis is a holistic phenomenon. The healing compounds contained within this plant will help people from all walks of life increase quality of life while also finding the relief they need."
The facility will dispense medical marijuana once it becomes available from approved grower/processors, expected in the coming weeks. Forms of the medicine allowed to be dispensed in Pennsylvania and to be dispensed from Keystone Canna Remedies include oils, topical agents, pills, vaporization, tinctures and liquids. Patients must follow a multi-step registration process that includes obtaining certification from a state-approved medical practitioner.
KCR has an aggressive schedule of educational outreach sessions for the community with 17 workshops planned at the dispensary in their first full week of operation, beginning January 22. The workshops are designed to guide participants through the Pennsylvania medical marijuana program and this new medical treatment. The sessions include, "A Primer to Understanding the Science of Marijuana as Medicine" , "Becoming Familiar with the Dosage Forms of Medical Marijuana" , and, "A Guide to Program Registration."
Members of the public interested in learning more about the medical marijuana program, particularly prospective patients, caregivers and their loved ones, are encouraged to attend the workshops. Details (including registration through EventBrite) can be found on the KCR website, www.keystonecannaremedies.com.
