Cannabis operator opens second dispensary in Reading

Harvest Health & Recreation, a Tempe, Arizona-based cannabis company, announced the opening of Harvest of Reading, its second Reading dispensary and the second Harvest-affiliated dispensary in Pennsylvania.

“Pennsylvania has quickly become an important state for our long-term plans,” said Harvest CEO Steve White, in a statement.

Harvest of Reading is at 201 Lancaster Ave., and is open from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., Tuesday through Saturday. Its other Reading location is on North Fifth Street.

Headquartered in Tempe, Arizona, Harvest Health is a multi-state cannabis operator.

“Harvest is committed to improving patient access in all markets, including those traditionally underserved,” said Alex Howe, spokesperson for Harvest Health & Recreation, in a statement. “The Lancaster [Ave.] store is a high-traffic location that we feel will serve the market well.”

Harvest has 12 employees ready to answer any questions patients have, including two licensed Pennsylvania pharmacists, Howe said.

Harvest will aim to improve lives through cannabis, provide medicated products to consumers and education around their use.

In Pennsylvania, Harvest plans to open additional stores in Johnstown, Scranton and Harrisburg, Howe said.

Gov. Tom Wolf signed the medical marijuana program into law in April 2016. As of Sept. 23, the state office reported that in Pennsylvania, there are more than 202,500 patients registered, more than 176,500 patient certifications issued; more than 133,500 active certifications; more than 1,200 approved practitioners; more than 5,300,000 products sold; and more than $410 million in total sales.