East Liverpool is one of three communities in the Valley that will be getting a marijuana dispensary.
For Donald Jones, that means closing one chapter so that a new company can start their own.
Jones opened up Sundance Photography in a building on Dresden Avenue about 15 years ago. In a matter of weeks, he’ll hand over the keys to Farmaceutical RX, a medical marijuana dispensary headed by Rebecca Meyer.
“This is the best thing that could happen to this property, I think. I’ve had it for so long and done a lot of work on it. I’m glad it will be used for something like this,” Jones said.
Meyer’s company is one of three dispensaries granted licenses in the Valley. There are a total of 56 in Ohio.
Jones says the dispensary brings major economic opportunity to town, and leaders at City Hall agree.
“I think it is a positive thing – jobs. It will help with the tax base,” said East Liverpool Police Chief John Lane.
Brian Allen, director of public safety for East Liverpool, agrees that the dispensary will be good for the community.
“They’ve been very open about it. She (Rebecca Meyer) would like to employ local people first,” Allen said.
State law requires Farmaceutical RX to be up and running within six months, but there is a lot of work to do until the dispensary starts serving patients and caregivers. They have to get the facility in order under state provisions and then have it inspected by the Ohio Board of Pharmacy.
Jones is savoring the last few days he has in his building. Weddings and other events are scheduled there, which Jones will still do but at a different location. Right now, he’s looking to move on to greener pastures. A space at the East Liverpool Community Center may become available.
