First Medical Marijuana Dispensary In Mass. Opens In Salem

The first medical marijuana dispensary in Massachusetts has opened nearly three years after voters overwhelmingly approved marijuana for medicinal use.

Alternative Therapies Group's dispensary in Salem began accepting patients by appointment only Wednesday.

State regulators signed the final paperwork Tuesday allowing the dispensary to open. Patients could be seen lining up outside the dispensary.

Access to the facility in a converted factory building that houses other businesses will be restricted to patients with a state-issued marijuana registration card.

On its website, Alternative Therapies Group said state regulations prevent them from advertising the price of marijuana.

They said they will offer a variety of strains of what they describe as ``medical-grade cannabis'' grown with organic methods, initially in bud form only.

No marijuana is grown or processed at the Salem site.  (Associated Press)