DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC HEALTH ISSUES CERTIFICATE OF REGISTRATION FOR

MMJ DISPENSARY IN SALEM

BOSTON DECEMBER 31, 2014 The Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH)
today announced that Alternative Therapies Group, Inc. (ATG) has been issued the states first
Certificate of Registration to operate a Registered Marijuana Dispensary (RMD). This certificate
allows ATG to begin growing marijuana for medical use. Before ATG is permitted to sell or
transport marijuana for medical use, the dispensary will need to undergo additional oversight,
including inspections of its transportation plans and testing of its plants once they are grown.
Providing safe patient access is a priority of the Medical use of Marijuana Program, and we are
proud to take this important step forward, said Health and Human Services Secretary John
Polanowicz. Selecting dispensaries that meet our high standards takes time, but ensuring a
launch of this new industry the right way for the people of Massachusetts is a top priority.
ATG has been approved to operate a dispensary site at 50 Grove Street in Salem and a
cultivation site at 10 Industrial Way in Amesbury.
During the Inspection Phase, DPH conducted site visits at ATGs dispensary and cultivation sites
to review the organizations floor plans, security, and cultivation operations to ensure product
safety and quality; security, storage and transportation standards; and responsiveness to patient
needs.
Over the past two years, we have undertaken a comprehensive process to ensure the highest
standards of public safety and patient access are met, said MMJ Program Executive Director
Karen van Unen. We are looking forward to continued progress as more dispensaries are
approved over the coming months.
I am very pleased that ATG has received the first Certificate of Registration in the
Commonwealth, said Salem Mayor Kim Driscoll. From the outset the team at ATG has been
forthright and professional. They went out of their way to meet with neighbors, officials, and
others in Salem, to introduce themselves and explain what they will be doing. We have had a
robust public conversation around medical marijuana in Salem starting with the ballot question,
which was overwhelmingly approved here, and all the way through last years City Council
debate, Board of Appeals hearing, and neighborhood group meetings. Salem has long been a
progressive, forward-thinking, and open-minded community and we look forward to ATG
starting operation and providing yet another critical medical choice to patients for the entire
North Shore.
Throughout the entire process, I have been impressed with the management team at ATG, said
Amesbury Mayor Ken Gray. They have been cooperative and professional. I am happy to see
them reach this milestone, and I look forward to seeing ATG develop as a positive contributor to
the Amesbury community.

ATG will be subject to ongoing oversight, including unannounced inspections of dispensary and
cultivation operations prior to and after retail operations begin.