Dr. Seth Bock is now one step closer to opening a medical marijuana center or "compassion center" in Portsmouth.

Bock's application for the Greenleaf Compassionate Care Center was among the three applications chosen by the Department of Health on Tuesday for a registration certificate.

“After a thorough and thoughtful review of all applications, HEALTH determined that these three applicant(s) were best able to offer safe, conveniently located options for patients currently enrolled in the medical marijuana program,” said interim Director of Health Dr. Michael Fine. “HEALTH is charged with protecting the health and safety of all Rhode Islanders. We will continue to work with the compassion centers and providers to assure good outcomes for patients.”

The two other approved applicants were the Summit Medical Compassion Center in Warwick and the Thomas C. Slater Compassion Center in Providence. 

Before opening for business, a compassion center must still be inspected by the Department of Health staff, as well as receive a certificate of occupancy from the town of Portsmouth.

In addition, all staff, board members and volunteers of each compassion center must be registered with the Department of Health's medical marijuana program.

For the complete rules and regulations pertaining to compassion centers, click here.

Bock, who owns and operates the Newport Acupuncture and Wellness Spa in Middletown, intends to open a non-profit medical marijuana center at 200 Highpoint Ave., Unit B-6.

For more on Bock's past experience and details about his plans, click here. Bock's application can also be found at right as a pdf.

Bock was one of the original 15 applicants denied by last September. The Department of Health denied every single application submitted.