Joseph P. Smith, Vineland Daily Journal
Published 9:27 a.m. ET June 11, 2020

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VINELAND – The first state-licensed medical marijuana dispensary in Cumberland County, one of only three approved for South Jersey, opened here Thursday morning in a former water treatment business at 1062 North Delsea Drive.

The dispensary, owned by Columbia Care New Jersey, eventually will draw its products from an already functioning 50,000-square-foot growing facility located nearby at 1560 South West Boulevard. That facility’s first harvest is expected in July, so for now the dispensary is obtaining products elsewhere in New Jersey.

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“Our opening in New Jersey marks a significant turning point and we’re excited to bring our industry-leading services and exceptional team to a new market, especially at a time when patients need them most,” Chief Executive Officer Nicholas Vita said.

“We appreciate the tremendous support we have received from the local and state governments, and remain committed to creating new jobs, increasing access to high-quality cannabis products, and improving the lives of New Jersey’s residents,” Vita said. “With voters expected to pass the adult use ballot measure later this year, our ability to open two additional dispensaries will allow Columbia Care to be the market leader in New Jersey.”

City government took a long look at the project before endorsing its application to the New Jersey Department of Health. The company did a presentation in October 2018 for the City Council.

The local Planning Board approved the dispensary in July 2019. The growing facility was approved in June 2019.

Columbia Care had hoped to open the dispensary no later than in December 2019, originally.

Vineland Mayor Anthony Fanucci welcomed the opening.

“Their operations are best in class and a great addition to the list of industries that call Vineland home,” Fanucci said. “With the grand opening of this facility, the services they provide will have a significant impact for patients suffering from certain medical disorders or debilitating conditions.”

Columbia Care said the dispensary will be open Tuesdays through Saturdays. The hours will be 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and customers are asked to make appointments.

The company also offers the Columbia National Credit Card, which it says is the first and only legal credit card for cannabis purchases. The concept is to facilitate seamless ordering and cashless transactions, it says.

Customers need a certified practitioner to make purchases, and they must register with the state Health Department.

For more information on Columbia Care Vineland, visit https://col-care.com/location/vineland/.

For more information on Virtual.Care and to schedule an appointment, visit http://virtualnj.care/v2/.

Joe Smith is a N.E. Philly native transplanted to South Jersey more than 30 years ago. He is a former editor and current senior staff writer at The Daily Journal in Vineland. Have a news tip? Reach out at (856) 563-5252 or jsmith@thedailyjournal.com or follow me on Twitter, @jpsmith-dj. Help support local journalism with a subscription to The Daily Journal.

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