MA Dispensary Application Process Continues to Move Forward

The Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH) collected several applications today from prospective Registered Marijuana Dispensary (RMD) operators, as today marked the Phase I application deadline. With the passing of today’s deadline, DPH is continuing to stay on track for timely implementation the 2012 voter-approved program, as it moves one step close to registering dispensary operators.

“The department continues to demonstrate a commitment to patient needs by moving forward quickly and thoughtfully with the process,” said Matthew J. Allen, Executive Director of the Massachusetts Patient Advocacy Alliance. “At this rate, dispensaries should be registered to operate by January 2014, if not before,” Allen continued, “Today patients are one step closer to safely accessing their medicine.”

Under the Massachusetts program, RMDs must both cultivate and sell the medicine to their patients; therefore, there will not be a separate application period for cultivators. In the first year of the program, DPH may approve up to 35 RMD applications, with at least one dispensary in each of the state’s 14 counties, and a maximum of five locations per county. According to the law, if DPH, “determines in a future year that the number of treatment centers is insufficient to meet patient needs, the Department shall have the power to increase or modify the number of registered treatment centers.”

DPH has set a tentative date of September 18, 2013 to announce which applicants are eligible for Phase II of the process. Additionally, DPH has tentatively scheduled an information session on Phase II applications for September 20, 2013 from 10AM – 1PM (location, TBA).

Reprinted with permission from Americans for Safe Access‘ Press Room.