Medical Marijuana Facility Moves Forward In Falls

FALLS TOWNSHIP, PA — Supervisors in Falls Township on Tuesday unanimously approved land-development plans for the expansion of a medical marijuana facility.

MLH Exploration plans to build a nearly 50,000-square-foot growing and processing facility for medical marijuana on Solar Drive in Falls. Previously, the company had built a 225-square-foot addition to connect two existing buildings on 32 acres that were formerly the U.S. Steele property.

According to Falls supervisors, MLH plans to partner with Jefferson University Health System to further explore marijuana's use as a medical treatment. MLH has received state approval for the project, including the right to open six dispensaries.

None of those dispensaries are planned to be located in Falls Township.

Once construction is complete, the MLH Exploration facility is expected to provide about 50 jobs in the township.

At the new facility, company officials say, MLH will grow, process and study the medical benefits of marijuana. It would be processed into oils, gel caps and pills as permitted under Pennsylvania's Medical Marijuana Act.

In following Falls' local ordinance regarding marijuana facilities, it would be secured with a fenced-in area and steel sides up to 12 feet tall. Cameras would be in place and running continuously and access would be permitted only through electronic devices requiring access codes.

In Falls, marijuana facilities may be located only in commercial and manufacturing districts. They are not allowed within 1,000 feet of a school, park, daycare center, community center or worship site.

They must be in enclosed, indoor areas and provide security plans to the township. Hours of operation are limited to 9 a.m.-9 p.m., sales are forbidden and minors are not allowed inside unless accompanied by a caregiver.