Garden State Dispensary of Woodbridge Township was issued a final 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.

Garden State Dispensary was formerly known as Compassionate Care Center of America Foundation.

"Patients now have access in all areas of the state with the permitting of an ATC Center in Woodbridge. There are now ATCs in all three regions of the state-north, central and south," said Health Commissioner Mary E. O'Dowd. "The Department is working with all ATCs to ensure the program serves patients safely and securely."

Garden State Dispensary was issued a permit to begin cultivation on August 7, 2013.The Department is testing the ATCs medicinal marijuana to establish cannabinoid profiles and ensure the product is free of contaminates.

The Medical Marijuana Program (MMP) has notified more than 1,500 registered patients and caregivers of the permitting of Garden State Dispensary. Patients and caregivers can visit the MMP's website if they choose to change the ATC designated to serve them. The change can also be made by calling the Customer Service Unit of the Medicinal Marijuana Program at 609-292-0424 and does not require changing ID cards. Patients may refer to the FAQ section of the MMP website at nj.gov/health/medicalmarijuana/pat_faqs.shtml for additional information on this topic.

The 248 physicians enrolled in the program are listed by county and medical specialty. A complete list of physicians participating in the program can be found at: www.state.nj.us/health/medicalmarijuana/find_phy_pat.shtml.

New Jersey residents interested in registering for the Medicinal Marijuana Program may do so by accessing www.state.nj.us/health/medicalmarijuana/pat_reg.shtml.

Additional information about the program, including contact information for the ATCs, is available at: www.state.nj.us/health/medicalmarijuana/find_atc.shtml