Those interested in opening a medical marijuana dispensary in Massachusetts must apply and deliver their initial application to the Department of Health by tomorrow, according to reports by the Boston Herald.
Last November, Massachusetts voters approved a law which allows 35 medical marijuana dispensaries in the state. Dispensers will be allowed to sell only to people with certified medical conditions including cancer, Parkinson’s Disease and Aids.
An AP report from CBS Boston from August 2 referenced the Department of Health’s two-phase plan after making the preliminary applications available: (1) applicants are subject to financial and personal background checks. If cleared (2) the applicant will be reviewed by a selection committee.
Applications are available a www.comm-pass.com . Interested applicants must submit a non-refundable $1,500 submission fee. Additionally, the Boston Herald reports that applicants who make it to the second phase must pay an additional, non-refundable, $30,000 fee.
On top of the phase one and two costs, the Herald reports that the selected dispensaries must pay $50,000 annual for a state-approved Certificate of Registration. Payments are expected to cover operating costs for dispensaries.
No more than 35 dispensaries are expected to be open by January 1, 2014.
For Massachusetts, this is a progressive step in terms of marijuana legislation. However, 17 other states across the country had already passed medical marijuana initiatives prior to 2012. Neighboring states–Maine, Vermont and Rhode Island–approved medical marijuana use before Massachusetts.
Connecticut passed a House bill in 2012 approving medical marijuana use.
With Washington and Colorado leading the campaign for legalization and regulation of marijuana, Massachusetts’ late approval of medical marijuana dispensaries may cost dispensary operators and the state money. Legalization may be on the horizon for Maine and Rhode Island, leaving Massachusetts–a notoriously liberal state–lagging behind.
House Representative, Ellen Page of Amherst, introduced a bill in January that would see Massachusetts join Washington and Colorado.
The Cannabis Regulation and Taxation Act can be read in full here.
Regardless of personal politics regarding marijuana, its use and market availability, its apparent that weed will be legalized nationwide. It’s just a matter of when. Given the amount of time and preparation going into medical marijuana dispensary preparation, its unlikely Page’s bill will be considered. Legalization would make medical dispensaries useless.
