GRANTS PASS (AP) - The Portland-based Hemp and Cannabis Foundation has opened a permanent clinic in Grants Pass for people seeking medical marijuana cards.

Regional director Henrik Rode said the clinic, the first permanent one in Oregon outside Portland, will help patients who qualify to get permits to grow and use marijuana for their symptoms.

Josephine County District Attorney Stephen Campbell said he hadn't been aware of the new clinic but that he had seen statistics showing the county to have among the highest number of medical marijuana cards in Oregon.

Rode said the group hopes to open permanent offices in Bend and Eugene.