STATEN ISLAND, N.Y.– A buzz of activity inside Staten Island’s first medical marijuana dispensary drew curiosity from pedestrians Tuesday morning as they passed by the new storefront on New Dorp Lane.
Retail chain Be. — formerly known as CITIVA — will open its doors to the public at 10 a.m. Wednesday, with a ribbon-cutting event planned for March 26.
When asked about the new addition to the historic commercial corridor, a man in his 20s said he doesn’t expect it to impact his life in any way, while a 59-year-old woman and lifelong New Dorp resident said she fears the “element” it might attract.
Borough residents prescribed medical cannabis currently have to travel outside of Staten Island or sign up with a third-party delivery service to purchase items.
“They have to pay a toll, they have to drive sometimes a half-hour, or an hour each way,” said Dave Palmieri, vice president of programs for iAnthus Holdings Co. “Opening this new store, it’s a big advantage for Staten Island residents.”
The company also will offer delivery services in the borough.
Currently, there are more than 2,600 Staten Islanders prescribed medical cannabis. Qualifying conditions include — but are not limited to — PTSD, cancer, diabetes, arthritis and opioid addiction withdrawal.
A CONSUMER’S GUIDE
Inside the dispensary is an open, sleek design resembling that of an Apple store. The retail space — which formerly housed a dress shop — includes multiple display cases, a sitting area in front of a wall-length window looking out onto New Dorp Lane, and a checkout area.
The product lines — some of which contain THC, some CBD and some a mix of both — include vape pens, tinctures, capsules, bath bombs and face creams. Palmieri estimated that a person who medicates regularly typically will spend about $130 per month.
THC is derived from marijuana plants, and is the psychoactive property that elicits the feeling of being “high.” It’s been shown to help with nausea in cancer patients, and the physical impacts of opioid withdrawal and chronic pain, among other symptoms.
CBD is derived both from the hemp plant — a cousin to the marijuana plant– and the marijuana plant. Studies have reported CBD reduces inflammation of the joints, anxiety and other ailments.
Based on the recommendation of a pharmacist in the store and personal preference, patients can choose from Sativa-dominant, or Indica-dominant THC products. For a breakdown on the differences, see below.
A woman outside the store Tuesday said she hopes to get a prescription to treat symptoms associated with diabetes and skin cancer.
“The hemp has really helped me, but I’m glad to see they’re opening this (store),” said Millie Shea, 69, of New Dorp.
PUBLIC HEALTH CONCERNS
At a recent Community Board 2 meeting, some board members voiced concerns regarding the dispensary’s proximity to New Dorp High School.
According to the Center for Disease Control, marijuana use by teenagers can lead to a decline in school performance and an increased risk of mental health issues.
In response, Dr. Jack D’Angelo, chief medical officer for Be., described a “rigorous” set of state-mandated security measures, saying in part, “It just will not be a place that young people are driven to go into.”
Anyone 21-years-old or over is permitted into the store, and to purchase a CBD product. However, a medical cannabis card prescribed by a medical professional is required in order to purchase a THC product.
Palmieri said the store potentially could sell both medical and recreational products in the future, if state laws allow it and the community as a whole welcomes it.
A lifelong New Dorp resident who passed by the store Tuesday said she’s “really not happy” about that possibility.
“I’m just concerned that when it does become legalized, if this will change the dynamics of the neighborhood,” said Joanne Baranello. “I’m just worried about the element it might attract.”
When asked about the element Baranello was referring to, she recalled a woman she ran into recently in the neighborhood who was “obviously not in her right mind.”
“She said she was in the neighborhood because she was trying to get her medication, and I don’t know what that meant.”
RECREATIONAL VS. MEDICAL
Recent studies have found that habitual use of marijuana could result in short-term and long-term health effects.
In Colorado, as of 2019, more people reportedly had visited emergency rooms for marijuana-related issues since the drug was legalized in 2014, according to a New York Times report.
Some experts, however, have downplayed those health concerns, in light of thousands of Coloradans who safely use marijuana every day to better their lives, according to that same report.
In terms of medical use, a 28-year-old woman passing by Be. on Tuesday said she’s confident the store will help, not hurt, the community.
“It’s overdue,” said Bonnie B., who asked that her last name not be used. “It’s unfair that people who need medical marijuana have to travel outside the borough to get it.”
Currently there are 47 medical professionals on Staten Island licensed to prescribe a medical cannabis card. Inside the store, a pharmacist and staff members who completed online training are positioned to answer questions about the products.
Said Palmieri: “A big part of what we’re doing has to do with that learning curve, and making people feel comfortable with cannabis medicine.”