Compassionate Care Foundation, Inc. (CCF) of Egg Harbor Township was issued a permit today by the New Jersey Department of Health to operate as an Alternative Treatment Center (ATC). The permit was issued after a final Department inspection of its cultivation and dispensing facility.
"This permit marks another significant step forward in the implementation of New Jersey's Medicinal Marijuana Program," said Health Commissioner Mary E. O'Dowd. "The permitting of Compassionate Care Foundation to operate as an ATC will give registered patients more options in terms of geographic locations and the number of available strains."
CCF was issued a permit to begin cultivation on June 6, 2013. Upon completion of CCF's first harvest, the Department will conduct testing of the medicinal marijuana to establish cannabinoid profiles and ensure the product is free of contaminants. CCF will contact the Medicinal Marijuana Program (MMP) when the product is ready for laboratory testing.
The MMP has notified all registered patients and caregivers of the permitting of CCF. Registered patients and caregivers who would like to select CCF as their designated ATC may do so through the MMP's website or by calling the MMP Customer Service Unit at 609-292-0424.
Patients may refer to the FAQ section of the MMP website at http://nj.gov/health/medicalmarijuana/pat_faqs.shtml for additional information. Patients who have chosen CCF as their designated ATC will be contacted directly by CCF for an appointment.
Approximately 1,364 patients and caregivers are registered with the Medicinal Marijuana Program. A complete list of physicians participating in the program can be found at: http://www.state.nj.us/health/medicalmarijuana/find_phy_pat.shtml. The 242 physicians enrolled in the program are listed by county and medical specialty.
Several other ATCs are in various stages of approval. The Compassionate Care Center of America (CCCoA) in Woodbridge was issued a permit to begin cultivation on August 7, 2013. CCCoA is preparing for final inspection later this year.
New Jersey residents interested in registering for the Medicinal Marijuana program may do so by accessing http://www.state.nj.us/health/medicalmarijuana/pat_reg.shtml.
Additional information about the program, including contact information for the ATCs, is available at: http://www.state.nj.us/health/medicalmarijuana/index.shtml.
