As Pennsylvania’s medical marijuana industry begins to take shape, Prime Wellness of Pennsylvania (PWPA) – on track to become the first grow/processing facility in the Commonwealth – held a groundbreaking ceremony today at its Berks County site. PWPA was one of 12 companies awarded permits for growing and processing medical marijuana by the Pennsylvania Department of Health (DOH) in June, and one of two companies in Berks County. The company will lead the way for compassionate care by supplying medical marijuana in approved forms to dispensaries across the state.

“PWPA is committed to making a difference by having a positive impact on people’s lives. Above all, it’s all about compassionate care through the ethical and legal use of medical marijuana – and it’s truly gratifying to know that so many will benefit from the plant’s therapeutic properties,” said Sharon Ali, CEO of PWPA, before an audience of state and local elected officials, business leaders and media gathered at the company’s future South Heidelberg Industrial Park home. “Whether we’re engaging with dispensaries, the medical community or the community at large, our priority is serving as a trusted resource for medical marijuana.”

PWPA was awarded a permit for Region 1– which includes Berks, Bucks, Chester, Delaware, Lancaster, Montgomery, Philadelphia and Schuylkill counties. Specifically, PWPA received approval to build a 30,000-square-foot growing facility with a 25,000-square-foot greenhouse planned for a second phase of development. The building will include indoor space to cultivate, process and package medical marijuana in full compliance with the forms authorized by the PA DOH. Stackhouse Bensinger, Inc., of Sinking Spring, Pa., is the engineer and Harrisburg-based Quandel Construction Group, Inc., is general contractor for the project.

“We are thrilled that the state selected Prime Wellness of PA for a grower/processor permit. The company possesses the strategic vision and compassion necessary to lead the way in bringing Pennsylvania’s medical marijuana industry to life,” said H. Chase Lenfest, Managing Member, HCL MM Investments PA, LLC.

The South Heidelberg Township Board of Supervisors has expressed full support for the project and welcomed the economic stimulus it will provide for the Township. The most immediate impact of PWPA’s facility will be in its capital expenditure investment, which is anticipated to approach nearly $5 million; a significant economic stimulus in Berks County.