A county hit hard by the opioid crisis now has its first medical marijuana dispensary.
RISE Joppa opened to patients Friday in Harford County. The dispensary is overseen by national marijuana provider Green Thumb Industries (GTI).
"We are so honored to be able to bring relief to more patients in Maryland who are suffering and can benefit from medical cannabis," said GTI's Maryland Market Andy Grossman in a press release.
In 2017, Harford County saw a nearly 50 percent increase in opioid-related deaths compared to 2016. GTI hopes, with its dispensaries, medical marijuana can help fight the opioid crisis.
"Unfortunately, here in Harford County, we know its one of the hardest hit areas of the state when it comes to the opioid crisis," said former Baltimore Ravens and RISE Joppa owner Eugene Monroe. "So, we're excited about the opportunity we have here to help put a dent on the [opioid crisis] and this community here in Harford County."
RISE Joppa is located at 702 Pulaski Highway in Joppa. It's open Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Sunday from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m.
RISE Joppa is GTI's tenth dispensary in the country and the third in Maryland. The company plans to have a total of 20 dispensaries operating in five states by the end of 2018.
