Terrapin is an Avis-based grower/processor of medical cannabis that was founded in Boulder, Colorado, in 2009.

In 2017, Terrapin was awarded one of the first 12 licenses provided to grower/processors in the Commonwealth’s medical cannabis program and quickly became a Pennsylvania-focused company. They have shed operations in other states, but focus primarily on embracing Pennsylvania as their home and center of operations.

The new facility, located at 209 Woodward Ave., was chosen to meet the needs of underserved regions of the medical marijuana program identified by the Department of Health. Until recently, the closest dispensary to Lock Haven was over 45 miles away in each direction — with dispensaries located in Williamsport and State College.

Terrapin owns two other dispensaries that have opened recently, one in Lewisburg and one in Bellefonte.

BREANNA HANLEY/THE EXPRESS Pictured, from left, are Bradd Rigoni, Terrapin’s Chief Operating Officer; Troy Conzelmann, Terrapin’s Director of Operations; Chris Woods, Founder and CEO of Terrapin; Peter Marcus, Terrapin’s Vice President of Communications and Dave Harger, VetForce founder and interim CEO of the Clinton County Economic Partnership.

The three dispensaries come 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.

Peter Marcus, Terrapin’s Vice President of Communications, was the first to speak at the ribbon cutting ceremony.

“It’s going on 10 years now since we first started talking about Clinton County,” said Marcus, describing their journey to where they are now. “We spent two years asking the legislature for a level playing field, allowing us as independent producers to be able to open our own stores. Here we are today with three beautiful stores.”

“This opening further advances our vision for bringing affordable, quality medicine to patients in central Pennsylvania. We couldn’t be more thrilled to call the Lock Haven/Woodward community home. We found a welcoming community here that is aligned with our passion for leaving a positive impact on the community,” Marcus continued.

Terrapin has long worked with Clinton County nonprofit partners, including Horses of Hope and The New Love Center. Horses of Hope utilizes equine therapy to promote the physical, cognitive, emotional and social well-being of people with special needs, including veterans and military personnel. The New Love Center serves as the local nutritious food pantry for Clinton and Lycoming residents in need.

BREANNA HANLEY/THE EXPRESS Pictured at an information tent is Brand Manager Kevin Hanna. Here Hanna offers educational information on the products Terrapin provides.

Additionally, they utilize VetForce, a veteran-owned and Lock Haven based veteran and service-disabled company that hires former military and law enforcement personnel to secure Terrapin’s facilities and transport products. Terrapin’s contract has allowed VetForce to grow to 15 vans across Pennsylvania, as well as expansions into other states like Missouri and Colorado.

With the opening of this dispensary, Terrapin will be adding approximately 14 jobs to the community.

“We employ a lot of local people, including myself,” said Brand Manager Kevin Hanna. “There’s a great working culture here. (The staff) is very knowledgeable.”

Chris Woods, Founder and CEO of Terrapin, spoke next with a heartfelt tribute to the late Mike Flanagan.

Flanagan was an avid supporter of Terrapin and advocated for them during their initial process of their proposal to open this facility.

During a Woodward Township Planning Commission meeting late last year, a letter of support from Flanagan was read that described Terrapin as “eager business development ambassadors, committed to supporting economic and workforce development in our community.”

“I’m certain if it wasn’t for Mike and the Clinton County Economic Partnership, we at Terrapin would not be standing here today,” he said.

He thanked many individuals who helped make the day possible — from their staff members to the contractors who moved quickly to get the building operational.

“This is the first and only dispensary in Clinton County and Lock Haven, and I’m really proud of (it),” said Woods, who then quoted basketball coach Kelvin Sampson, “‘You can never lose if you don’t give up, if you give up, you lose.’ I’m so lucky to have everyone here in Clinton County. I promise you we’re never going to quit. We look forward to the next 10 years.”

The products offered at the distributor are intended as medical use only — no pre-rolled joints or edibles allowed. There will only be cannabis for medical use in the form of concentrates, lozenges, salves, creams, oil and flowers. There will also be a limited number of approved and state regulated accessories.

Hanna was at the event with a pop-up Terrapin tent. There he offered educational information on the products Terrapin provides for anyone who may be unsure about the usage of cannabis.

“There’s a big need for education in the medical marijuana space,” said Hanna. “The products we put out are top tier and affordable. Terrapin has always tried to be a price leader in the marketplace. We always (strive) to give you the best medicine out for the best price possible.”

At this time, cannabis is not legalized for recreational use in the Commonwealth. Even if it were to be legalized for personal use in the near future, Terrapin would have to return to the board for permission for recreational sales.

Before and after the ribbon cutting ceremony, patients were coming and going with their medication. Each one praised Terrapin for opening a facility here, noting how much more convenient it was for their day-to-day lives.

“I’ve never just been able to stop on my way (home) from work and get my medication before without going out of my way. It makes such a difference,” said one patient.

The first 50 patients to visit the dispensary each day Thursday, April 17, through Saturday, April 19, will receive a special T-shirt commemorating the dispensary opening. Additionally, all patients can expect to see incredible sales leading up to Sunday, April 20.

The Terrapin Care Station is open from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Saturday, and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Sunday.

For more information, visit TerrapinCareStation.com.