March 29, 2017
Former Philadelphia Eagles cornerback Lito Sheppard is leading an investment group that seeks to construct a medical marijuana grower and processor facility in Delaware County.
His investment group, Laso Therapeutics, submitted an application on March 20 to build a facility in Chester, claiming the company aims to help patients who would benefit from medical marijuana and boost Chester's revitalization efforts.
Sheppard, who played on the last Eagles team to reach the Super Bowl, says he can relate to many of the Pennsylvanians who have conditions approved for medical marijuana treatment. He says his 10-year career, which included two Pro Bowl appearances, left him with permanent damage that prompts similar difficulties of those approved to receive medical marijuana.
"I feel very strongly about the benefits medical marijuana can have on individuals suffering from traumatic injuries and illnesses, which is why I have spearheaded Laso Therapeutics in an area that means a lot to me and to which I have always wanted to give back," Sheppard said in a statement. "In Chester, we have an opportunity to make a real direct and lasting impact on a community in great need of support."
Laso Therapeutics has not submitted applications to any additional medical marijuana region, the company said. It aims to bring well-paying jobs to Chester, fund local scholarships and reverse urban blight in the city.
As part of its application to the Pennsylvania Department of Health, the group agreed to purchase land in the city.
The company says its facility — to be constructed downtown — would create at least 20 jobs that would be filled by community members representative of Chester's population. About 75 percent of Chester is black, 15 percent is white and 9 percent is Latino, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. Nearly 35 percent of residents live below the poverty line.
Laso Therapeutics has pledged to allocate up to 5 percent of its gross annual revenue to fund scholarships, charitable contributions and urban rehabilitation efforts in the city. It says it will host community forums to provide accurate information about cannabis, its medical benefits and the Medical Marijuana Act.
"I am thrilled Lito Sheppard and his partners have focused their efforts on our community," Mayor Thaddeus Kirkland said in a statement. "Not only will they support our economy, but they have stated their commitment to education and supporting local organizations, which is exactly the type of neighbor we like to have here."
Sheppard is not the only former Philadelphia athlete to become involved with medical marijuana. Former Flyer Riley Cote spoke with PhillyVoice last year about his marijuana advocacy efforts.
