It was this past weekend that the state of Virginia had its very first medical cannabis processor officially open its doors to patients.
On Saturday morning, Dharma Pharmaceuticals held a grand opening in Bristol. The company is one of four pharmaceutical processors approved in the state to produce medical marijuana, according to a report from TV station WCYB.
Lisa Smith and her daughter Haley were the first to receive a fill of medical cannabis oil said WJHL. They made the trip from Richmond to Bristol for the historical moment.
Haley has a severe form of epilepsy called Dravet Syndrome and her mother had lobbied at the General Assembly for a change in the state’s medical marijuana laws.
“It’s kind of surreal that it’s happening,” Lisa Smith said.
In order to enter the building, patients must first get a recommendation from a medical provider and register as a patient with the Board of Pharmacy.
“We’re excited to finally be serving patients at our facility,” said Jack Page, co-founder and chief operating officer of Dharma Pharmaceuticals.
WCYB has reported that the company plans to expand to other locations soon.
A dispensary in Richmond hopes to open its doors by late October, the Times-Dispatch reported earlier this week.
