Queens’ second medical marijuana dispensary is set to open in Forest Hills this summer.
Curaleaf New York announced today that they would open a new medical marijuana dispensary located in a 3,000-square-foot space at 107-18 70th Rd. The brand-name dispensary is owned and operated by PalliaTech NY, a subsidiary of PalliaTech LLC which has operations in 11 states across the country.
The location for the dispensary was chosen for its central retail location between Queens Boulevard and Austin Street as well as its proximity to multiple forms of public transportation. The Curalef dispensary is accessible by the Long Island Rail Road, the E, F, M and R subway lines and the Q23 bus, which will make it easier for patrons to travel to the facility.
“After successful openings in Newburgh and Plattsburgh, we are thrilled to continue the expansion of New York’s medical marijuana program with our new dispensary in Queens. Our focus is on ensuring patients facing serious medical issues have access to these important treatments, and we look forward to opening our doors and helping those in need,” said Michelle Bodner, president of PalliaTech NY.
The first medical marijuana dispensary in Queens is Vireo Health located at 89-55 Queens Blvd. in Elmhurst. The company opened their business in January 2016 as reported by QNS. Curaleaf joins Vireo Health and four other companies as the only facilities in the state that are legally licensed to sell medical cannabis.
While the recreation use of cannabis is not legalized in New York state, the use of marijuana for certain health purposes is allowed under the New York State Department of Health’s medical marijuana program. According to an official statement from Curaleaf, the dispensary will serve people from Queens and surrounding boroughs who suffer from chronic pain, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), cancer and other conditions.
The NYSDOH requires all patients to apply for a registry identification card, which allows them to visit any dispensing facilities in New York state and purchase approved medical marijuana products.
According to the company, patients seeking relief for their ailments will be able to obtain pharmaceutical-grade medical cannabis in several forms, including capsules, tablets, tinctures, oils and under-the-tongue strips.
Additionally, Curaleaf is trying to get approval to sell other products like ground cannabis flower and transdermal patches. The facility will be managed by a New York-licensed pharmacist, and counselors will be available onsite to advise patients about the best treatments for them.
Curaleaf also has plans to open a facility in Carle Place, the fourth dispensary owned by the company on Long Island. In addition to New York, the company has facilities in 10 states, including Maine, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Connecticut, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Maryland, Florida and Arizona.
