Delaware's first medical marijuana dispensary set to open

WILMINGTON (WPVI) -- Delaware's first medical marijuana dispensary is getting ready to open its doors later this month.

Action News went inside the First State Compassion Center in Wilmington for the first time Monday.

The only marijuana dispensary in the state has been in the works since Governor Jack Markell legalized medical marijuana back in 2011.

Approved patients will be have access to marijuana oils, ointments, as well as the type that is smoked.

Officials say that the safety of patients and staff is a top priority, along with providing quality care.

"We will offer discounts to our patients who are on SSDI, low income, elderly, military veterans, and we'll also have a compassion program where end of life, terminal patients will receive free medicine," Senior Vice President Joel Allcock said.

Officials say there are 340 Delaware residents who carry cards allowing them to use medical marijuana.

It's approved for use by patients who suffer from chronic pain, as well as cancer, HIV/AIDS, ALS, Alzheimer's and more.

Patient orientations are planned for June 18 and June 19 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and the official opening day for the First State Compassion Center is June 26th.

The program is only available to Delaware residents.