Cannabis dispensary opening in Gibsonia

The first cannabis dispensary in Gibsonia opened its doors on Monday.

Ayr Wellness launched the new medical marijuana dispensary, which marks its third location in the state. Ayr Wellness also has locations in New Castle and Plymouth Meeting.

The 8,000-square foot Gibsonia location — which includes 30 point-of-sale stations and employs about 20 people — is located just off Route 8 at 112 Northtowne Square.

“For Gibsonia, there’s a lot of patient demand there and within Pittsburgh’s North Hills,” said Julie Winter, director of operations. “There really is no other dispensary within a 25-minute drive. A lot of patients, they’re having to drive for access to medicine.”

In Pennsylvania, patients with severe medical conditions can register for a medical marijuana ID card that allows them to purchase medical marijuana at dispensaries. Approved medical conditions include anxiety, autism, Crohn’s disease, epilepsy, HIV, AIDS, inflammatory bowel disease, Parkinson’s disease, post-traumatic stress disorder and other conditions.

Pennsylvania marked the fifth anniversary of its medical marijuana program this year.

Patients can also order items online, which will be pre-packaged when they arrive to pick up their order.

Ayr Wellness sells products from multiple growers.

Ayr Wellness will have a pharmacist specifically trained in cannabis, along with patient consultants, on hand to help answer questions and direct patients to products that fit their symptoms and needs.

“We have a very highly educated, really patient, focused staff,” Winter said. “If you are a patient and you feel intimidated about coming in for the first time or asking a silly question, all of that is left at the door.”

Winter said local patients were “very excited” that medical cannabis would be more easily accessible for the area.