DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH

State Sen. Lisa Boscola, D-18th, provided the following statement after the state Department of Health awarded two Lehigh Valley businesses medical marijuana dispensary permits recently. When medical marijuana becomes available to patients next year, only 52 dispensaries statewide will be licensed.

“I am pleased that two Lehigh Valley dispensaries (Mission Pennsylvania II, LLC and Guadco, LLC) emerged from this highly-competitive application process with state permits.

“It will mean more local jobs and a foundational role in this promising new medical marijuana industry. As someone who voted for legalizing medical marijuana in Pennsylvania, I am very pleased by the progress of the program and our regional economic role in this industry.

“Moreso, I am both encouraged and heartened by what this medication will mean to our children, veterans and other patients who can benefit through the safe and controlled availability of medical cannabis,” Boscola said.