Katelyn Baker
Well-Known Member
DuBois – Differing viewpoints were heard from the Sandy Township Supervisors about supporting two proposed medical marijuana businesses.
DuBois Biopharma wants to build a medical marijuana growing and processing facility in Corbet Industrial Park located on Platt Road in the township. The DuBois Wellness Center is proposing a medical marijuana dispensary facility at 1222 South Brady St., DuBois.
Both businesses wanted verification that their proposed locations are permitted under the township's current zoning ordinance.
During their regular meeting Monday, the supervisors voted unanimously that the township zoning ordinances would permit both businesses but are subject to pre-emption by federal law.
Although Pennsylvania has legalized medical marijuana, Supervisor Darrel Duttry stated that the federal government has not officially legalized it.
Solicitor Greg Kruk stated if it's illegal, it would not be a permitted use in that zone under federal law.
In a 3-2 vote, the supervisors agreed to issue a letter of support for both businesses. Those letters are also subject to pre-emption by federal law.
Supervisors Jim Jeffers, Dave Sylvis and Mark Sullivan voted yes while Andy Shenkle and Darell Duttry voted no.
Sylvis said that there are people who would be surprised he is supporting the businesses.
"They would probably tell you I was 200 percent against it," Sylvis said. "I did my
See Marijuana, Page A4
research on it and the only thing that I would agree to vote for is the medicinal end of the marijuana growing. The medicinal use is the CBD, which is the oil they extract from the marijuana that is not harmful. That does not cause the highs, that does not cause the problems with the marijuana use."
Sylvis stated that he has researched it enough to see all the benefits.
"I could not, in good faith, vote against that," Sylvis said. "That's why I changed my mind. I'm sure I surprised a few people when I voted that way. I like to explain why I did and how I did it."
"My stance on the medical marijuana is right in line with Dave," said Supervisor Mark Sullivan. "I think the benefits far outweigh any of the negatives. I am not in favor of the recreational marijuana but, at this time, that is not being proposed."
"I voted no for the marijuana (facility) because it scares me so much to think what can happen and what changes are going to be made down the road," Shenkle said. "I just don't know what it's going to do. I understand the benefits from it, the revenue we are going to gain is great, long term, it just scares me too much to support it."
Duttry, when asked after the meeting for comment, said his reasons are in line with Shenkle's stance.
When asked for comment about why he voted against supporting the businesses after the meeting, Duttry stated that his reasons are along the same lines as Shenkle.
News Moderator: Katelyn Baker 420 MAGAZINE ®
Full Article: Sandy Twp. Welcomes Medical Marijuana Businesses
Author: Elaine Haskins
Contact: (814) 503-8860
Photo Credit: Elaine Haskins
Website: Courier Express
DuBois Biopharma wants to build a medical marijuana growing and processing facility in Corbet Industrial Park located on Platt Road in the township. The DuBois Wellness Center is proposing a medical marijuana dispensary facility at 1222 South Brady St., DuBois.
Both businesses wanted verification that their proposed locations are permitted under the township's current zoning ordinance.
During their regular meeting Monday, the supervisors voted unanimously that the township zoning ordinances would permit both businesses but are subject to pre-emption by federal law.
Although Pennsylvania has legalized medical marijuana, Supervisor Darrel Duttry stated that the federal government has not officially legalized it.
Solicitor Greg Kruk stated if it's illegal, it would not be a permitted use in that zone under federal law.
In a 3-2 vote, the supervisors agreed to issue a letter of support for both businesses. Those letters are also subject to pre-emption by federal law.
Supervisors Jim Jeffers, Dave Sylvis and Mark Sullivan voted yes while Andy Shenkle and Darell Duttry voted no.
Sylvis said that there are people who would be surprised he is supporting the businesses.
"They would probably tell you I was 200 percent against it," Sylvis said. "I did my
See Marijuana, Page A4
research on it and the only thing that I would agree to vote for is the medicinal end of the marijuana growing. The medicinal use is the CBD, which is the oil they extract from the marijuana that is not harmful. That does not cause the highs, that does not cause the problems with the marijuana use."
Sylvis stated that he has researched it enough to see all the benefits.
"I could not, in good faith, vote against that," Sylvis said. "That's why I changed my mind. I'm sure I surprised a few people when I voted that way. I like to explain why I did and how I did it."
"My stance on the medical marijuana is right in line with Dave," said Supervisor Mark Sullivan. "I think the benefits far outweigh any of the negatives. I am not in favor of the recreational marijuana but, at this time, that is not being proposed."
"I voted no for the marijuana (facility) because it scares me so much to think what can happen and what changes are going to be made down the road," Shenkle said. "I just don't know what it's going to do. I understand the benefits from it, the revenue we are going to gain is great, long term, it just scares me too much to support it."
Duttry, when asked after the meeting for comment, said his reasons are in line with Shenkle's stance.
When asked for comment about why he voted against supporting the businesses after the meeting, Duttry stated that his reasons are along the same lines as Shenkle.
News Moderator: Katelyn Baker 420 MAGAZINE ®
Full Article: Sandy Twp. Welcomes Medical Marijuana Businesses
Author: Elaine Haskins
Contact: (814) 503-8860
Photo Credit: Elaine Haskins
Website: Courier Express