Marijuana Plant Plans Move Forward In Falls (ICYMI)

FALLS TOWNSHIP, PA — Supervisors in Falls have approved a land development plan for a medical marijuana growing and processing plant in the township.

The final plan will let MLH Exploration build a 225-square-foot addition to connect two existing buildings at its 32-acre property at 150 Solar Dr. — part of the former U.S. Steel property.

MLH plans to obtain a clinical research license, in partnership with Jefferson University Health System, and explore what causes conditions for people to respond positively to medical marijuana treatments.

At a meeting last week, attorney Carrie Nase-Pouse told supervisors that MLH is in the process of putting together an application for the research license. Once the license is received, she said, the company would have six months to be up and running.

"We do feel fairly confident that we will be granted this research license," she said.

She also said MLH likely will be in front of supervisors again in the near future to get approval for the building of a 42,000-square-foot greenhouse.

The facility will not be a dispensary and will not have regular incoming traffic from customers, MLH's David Clapper told supervisors. It is expected to deliver medical marijuana to dispensary locations in Center City, Philadelphia, Montgomeryville and Concordville.

Medical marijuana would be processed into oils, gel caps and pills as permitted under the state's Medical Marijuana Act.

Once fully operational, the plant is expected to employ about 50 people.

Following Falls Township's local ordinance, which governs medical marijuana grower and dispensary operations, the facility would be secured with a fenced-in area and steel sides up to 12 feet tall. Cameras would be in place and running continuously, according to MLH representatives. Access would be permitted only through electronic devices and access codes would be required.