CITY OF PHILADELPHIA OFFICE OF THE MAYOR JAMES F. KENNEY 245 City Hall ‘Mayor Philadelphia, PA 19107 (215) 686-2181 FAX (215) 686-2180 March 17, 2017 John J. Collins Director Office of Medical Marijuana Department of Health Room 628, Health and Welfare Building 625 Forster Street Harrisburg, PA 17120 Dear Mr. Collins, ‘As Mayor of the City of Philadelphia, | applaud the State’s efforts to allow access to medical marijuana for the citizens of Pennsylvania. | believe that our citizens should have regulated access to these treatments to improve their quality of life during times of sickness. The jobs that will accompany the advent of medical marijuana in Pennsylvania are truly needed in Philadelphia and elsewhere. 1 believe that alternative treatments for pain and other ailments are sorely needed in the face of the opioid epidemic that is debilitating communities across, Pennsylvania, including Philadelphia's. For these reasons, I welcome this industry to Philadelphia and look forward to supporting the development that will accompany it. 1 am supportive of Rise Labs’ intention to build a medical marijuana growing and processing facility in the Tacony section of Philadelphia. Rise Labs is founded and run by David Tuttleman, whose family has been involved in the Philadelphia business and philanthropic community for generations. David, along with some of his other local partners, including Jose Garces and David Maser, have all consistently demonstrated a commitment to community betterment in the City. Rise Labs’ proposed site is in an industrial zone that is well-suited for their proposed use. More importantly, Rise Labs plans to construct their facility on a parcel that offers security and does not impose upon our neighborhoods or create a nuisance of any sort.For these reasons, I support Rise Labs’ plans, and should they be awarded a license, I am excited to welcome their operations to the City. Sincerely, ames F. Kenney d Mayor of Philadelphia