Massachusetts Patients to Have Safe Access By Year’s End

Massachusetts Patients to Have Safe Access By Year’s End

By the end of the year medical cannabis patients in Massachusetts should have the ability to go to a dispensary, and purchase their medicine through a safe, secure and regulated location. This is according to draft regulations released today by the state’s Department of Public Health, the department responsible for licensing and regulating the industry. Medical cannabis became a possibility in the state after voters approved Ballot Question 3 this past November.

For the proposed regulations to be finalized, the Public Health Council and the Secretary of State must approve them, which the department expects them to do by this May.

Some of the regulations include:

• The department recommends mandating that dispensaries provide discounted rates for low-income residents.

• The department recommends allowing for the possession of up to 10 ounces at one time, defined as a 60-day supply. Under the proposed regulations, physicians would have the discretion to increase what’s defined as a 60-day supply for a particular patient if they deem it necessary.
  

• The regulations suggest requiring periodic testing that tests for mold, pesticides, metals, etc..
  
• Although certain restrictions will be in place (such as ads portraying youth), advertising will be allowed.
• The department is expected to begin accepting applications for dispensaries in the summer, with approvals taking place in the fall.

The department has begun to accept written comments from the public, and on April 10th, will present the draft regulations to the Public Health Council.

– TheJointBlog