First Medical Marijuana Dispensary Opens in New Jersey
MONTCLAIR — Behind the doors of its Montclair storefront, the Greenleaf Compassion Center has the look of a comfortable doctor’s office, with floral prints hanging on creamy beige walls, oversized leather chairs and a big flat-screen TV.
But when it opened those doors at 10 a.m. yesterday, the center made history: New Jersey’s first medical marijuana dispensary was officially in business.
By day’s end, 20 registered patients had slipped inside under tight security to discuss their chronic illnesses and make the first-ever legal pot purchases in the state.
“All the patients have been great. It’s been a very comforting experience,” said Joe Stevens, the center’s co-founder. “It’s finally the day when patients have safe access to their medicine. They lived in the shadows for so long. Now they can come here and feel safe.”
On a busy Bloomfield Avenue surrounded by restaurants, the Wellmont Theater, a women’s clinic and a government building, the center’s opening came after political leaders wrangled for nearly three years to implement New Jersey’s medical marijuana law.
Inside, one-quarter ounce of Greenleaf marijuana sold for $110, according to a patient who did not want to be identified.
Greenleaf employees declined to comment, saying they did not want to run afoul of state rules that prohibit advertising.
The center won’t be open today because Greenleaf officials want to meet with state Heath Department officials to review the day’s events. Appointments will resume next week.
Some patients approached by reporters yesterday covered their faces to protect their privacy, and none wanted to be identified. Those who spoke expressed relief and hope.
“I think it’s amazing,” said a tall husky man in a knit cap and sunglasses, saying he is in constant pain. “I hope it helps a lot of people.”
Another 52-year-old patient who uses a cane and would only give his first name, Ed, described the experience as “very professional.”
The man said he’s endured 19 operations after being severely shocked nine years ago when he worked for an electric company. His pain, the man said, is constant.
“I hope this opens the doors for everybody in need,” said the man, who added that recognize some people don’t believe in marijuana’s pain-minimizing properties. “Everybody had his own opinion. It’s America.”
James Overbey, a Montclair resident for 70 years, made a special trip to see the storefront. His only complaint was that it took so long for the law to change and for a dispensary to finally open.
“I know people with cancer and stomach problems, and this could provide them with relief,” said Overbey, 77. “It ain’t like junkies are running in to get it. I don’t see no harm at all.”
With state health officials monitoring, Greenleaf’s five board members maintained a strict format. Only patients registered with the state were given appointments. No walk-ins were served.
Patients must show their state-issued medical marijuana card and another form of state ID to the security guard standing outside in order to get inside the shop, said co-founder Julio Valentin.
“They are stopped again by the receptionist” before they are taken to a back office to discuss their illnesses and make a purchase, he said. Patients received the smokable form of the drug in a sealable bag that is transparent in the front and black in the back. Each bag has a barcode to track inventory and sales, Stevens said.
Three doors down from Greenleaf, Ashkan Klalaj, owner of Kei Kabob, a Persian restaurant, watched yesterday morning as TV trucks and reporters gathered outside the dispensary.
Khalaj said he had no problems philosophically with the dispensary’s arrival. “We’re wondering how it’s going to be with individual people” who are not patients,” he said. “We don’t want to see any problems.”
The dispensary drew a handful of self-professed marijuana smokers interested in the program, including two men from Newark who smoked a joint as they walked up Bloomfield Avenue.
“I am here to get more information,” said Pete Gonzalez, 32, who is not a registered patient.
His friend, who identified himself as Angel, 28, said he did not fear arrest as he inhaled the marijuana he obtained illegally. “Why should I?”
Neither man was let inside.
(First Medical Marijuana Dispensary Opens in New Jersey)