Vytal Options: A New Medical Marijuana Dispensary in State College
Centre County is set to welcome its fourth medical marijuana dispensary, Vytal Options, to the State College area. Located on Atherton Street, the dispensary aims to provide patients with access to medical marijuana products and resources. The company emphasizes a medically focused approach, supported by a research agreement with Penn State.
Opening and Location
Vytal Options is scheduled to open on October 31st at 1653 N. Atherton St. The dispensary will operate six days a week and will be closed on Sundays. This location places Vytal Options among the other medical marijuana dispensaries in Centre County, all of which are located within a five-mile radius of one another.
Company Focus and Research
PA Options for Wellness, the parent company of Vytal Options, has a 10-year research agreement with Penn State to investigate the potential benefits and risks of using marijuana extracts to treat various health issues, with a focus on pain management and anti-cancer activity. Samantha Alderfer, director of marketing and business development for PA Options for Wellness, emphasizes the company's medical focus, caregiver programs, assistance with obtaining medical cards, and educational events.
Vytal Options Products and Brands
Vytal Options boasts its own line of products, including flower (marketed under the brand name "Mood"), as well as products under the "Solventless" brand and simply "by Vytal Options." Each location has a pharmacist on-site.
Competition in the Area
The arrival of Vytal Options brings the total number of medical marijuana dispensaries on Atherton Street to four. Other dispensaries in the area include Ayr Wellness (formerly Nature's Medicines), Curaleaf, and Verilife. Despite the concentration of dispensaries in a small area, Alderfer believes it creates healthy competition. The location near Penn State and the company's grow facility in Duncannon are key factors in the decision to open a dispensary in State College.
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Collaboration with Penn State
In 2019, the Penn State College of Medicine announced a 10-year collaboration with PA Options for Wellness. The collaboration focuses on investigating the potential benefits and risks of using marijuana extracts to treat a variety of health issues including pain management and anti-cancer activity.
Emphasis on Research and Education
Vytal Options emphasizes both “research” and “education” in its mission statement. Vytal Options developed a THC-infused throat lozenge that dissolves in the mouth and activates quickly, providing relief for 2-4 hours.
Obtaining a Medical Marijuana Card
On its grand opening, Vytal Options plans to have a representative available to guide potential patients through the process of obtaining a medical marijuana card. To obtain a card, individuals must first register through the state’s Medical Marijuana Registry and then have a physician certify that they suffer from one of the qualifying medical conditions (e.g., anxiety, cancer, PTSD). Once approved, patients must pay $50 for a medical marijuana ID card.
Medical Marijuana in Pennsylvania
In 2016, Gov. Tom Wolf signed the medical marijuana bill into law, and medical marijuana became available in the commonwealth by 2018. As of last August, more than 630,000 patients and caregivers are registered in the commonwealth’s medical marijuana program.
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