Medical marijuana growing operation proposed in Rostraver
BELLE VERNON – A Pittsburgh company is proposing to open a medicinal marijuana growing and processing operation in a building that would be highly regulated by the state if it’s approved for Rostraver Township.
Corinne Ogrodnik, chief executive officer of Maitri Medicinals, in late December submitted an application to the township for a special zoning exemption to operate the plant at 316 Finley Road near the sprawling shopping district in Rostraver, township records indicate.
The company intends to produce cannabis oil to supply state approved dispensaries of the drug, and said it would not have a retail operation at the building on 7.32 acres of land, the application indicates. However, it must first be awarded one of a limited number of permits by the state.
The building is currently zoned for light industry, moving and storage and has been used by Vesely Brothers Moving & Storage.
A drawing attached to the application indicates the property will be surrounded by a large fence. The use of security cameras also is included in the plan.
Ogrodnik said support from the township would help her application for a state permit for the operation. She said she hopes to begin cultivating marijuana in early 2018 with about two dozen employees.
Pennsylvania’s medical marijuana law was enacted in April, and the state Department of Health will accept applications from growers, processors and dispensaries from Feb. 20 to March 20. Up to 12 permits for grower/processors will be issued across the state. The program is expected to be fully implemented by 2018.
Ogrodnik’s website indicates the company’s “mission is to produce the highest quality cannabis products available to adults and children who suffer from qualifying conditions and diseases.”
“We believe strongly in the benefits of medical cannabis and are passionate about its ability to improve the lives of patients in our state,” the website states.
Rostraver’s zoning hearing board has scheduled a public hearing on the application at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday in the township building at 201 Municipal Drive.