PHOTO PROVIDED Terrapin Care Station recently held its grand opening and ribbon cutting for its second Pennsylvania dispensary in Lewisburg this week.

LEWISBURG — Terrapin, an independent grower/processor of medical marijuana, celebrated the grand opening of its second Pennsylvania dispensary, located in Lewisburg/Kelly Township. The grand opening and ribbon-cutting celebration for Terrapin Care Station took place on Thursday, Feb. 20, at 400 International Drive, beginning at 11 a.m.

The grand opening event occurred just 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 (Act 63) 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.

Today’s ribbon-cutting featured short remarks from Terrapin, with recognition of the Central PA Chamber of Commerce and community leaders, followed by a ceremonial ribbon-cutting. As part of the program, Terrapin supported Lewisburg-based DIG Furniture Bank, its nonprofit partner for the Lewisburg location. The organization “restores dignity and promotes stability by redirecting gently used furniture and household items to local families in need at no cost.” Terrapin hosted a donation drive on behalf of DIG, asking patrons to donate new household cleaning and personal hygiene products for the nonprofit’s Housewarming Basket Program. Terrapin employees also participated in a volunteer event supporting DIG client furniture deliveries.

Lewisburg and Bellefonte are the first of three locations Terrapin plans to open this year. One additional location is scheduled for Lock Haven (Woodward Township), with an opening date to be announced in the coming weeks. Terrapin is hiring approximately 43 employees between the three locations, contributing to economic development in rural parts of the state.

Through these three locations, Terrapin aims to meet the needs of underserved regions of the medical marijuana program. The Department of Health has identified Clinton County (Lock Haven) as an underserved area, with the closest dispensaries located more than 45 miles away. Bellefonte and Lewisburg (near State College and Bucknell University, respectively) are also providing better options for patients who previously had to drive more than 30 miles in some areas to access critical medicine.

“It is a privilege to bring Terrapin’s mission to life by planting roots in underserved communities,” said Chris Woods, Founder and CEO of Terrapin. “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.”

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. Apart from one dispensary opening in April 2024, 12 miles from Lewisburg, that region had not seen a new dispensary in over five years.

“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, Feb. 22, will receive a special T-shirt commemorating the dispensary opening. Additionally, all patients received a 30 percent discount through Sunday, Feb. 23.

Terrapin is deeply committed to supporting the communities it serves. Through its partnership with DIG Furniture Bank, Terrapin has forged an ongoing relationship, providing $5,000 in initial monetary support, paid employee volunteer hours, and raising awareness for its mission. Terrapin also kicked off a partnership with the Union County Veterans’ 4th of July Celebration Committee last year, offering $1,000 in initial support for the nonprofit’s annual celebration of veterans throughout the Susquehanna Valley.

Since its establishment in 2009, Terrapin has contributed over $1.5 million to local nonprofits, focusing on building connection and belonging, providing affordability and accessibility, fostering equity and empowerment, and staying locally focused and environmentally conscious.

“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.”