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Medical marijuana advocates say the state has taken too long to implement the 2011 law that established Delaware's program and are urging Gov. Jack Markell to act. Much of the issue stems from the state pursuing a single pilot medical marijuana dispensary, rather than one in each county, which the law allows, said Zoe Patchell, legislative correspondent for the Delaware chapter of the National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws. "We would just like the law implemented as it was written," she said. "If it was any other law, it would have been implemented by now." Requests for proposals to run the state's pilot compassion center were issued late last year. Growing by the permitted compassion center is expected to begin in July with the first sales to start in September. Vendors can cultivate up to 150 marijuana plants, and stock no more than 1,500 ounces.
Signed into law in 2011 by Markell, the state's medical marijuana program was delayed because of confusion about how federal authorities would enforce medical marijuana sales. "The governor is committed to implementing a reliable program that minimizes the risk of federal interference and meets the needs of medical marijuana patients," said Markell spokeswoman Kelly Bachman in an e-mail. But Patchell said having one dispensary will create extraordinary difficulty for some of the 55 individuals holding cards for medical marijuana. It will mean patients with medical issues such as HIV and cancer could have to travel long lengths to pick up medicine. The only alternative is to buy marijuana off the streets. Not only are patients getting low-quality and potentially tainted marijuana, but some may have to travel to dangerous areas, Patchell said.
The groups plan to speak with the governor Tuesday about the potential for the regulation and taxation of marijuana for citizens over 21. Legalizing marijuana could be the cure to some of the state's financial ailments, bringing much-needed revenue at a time when the state faces a budget shortfall, Patchell said. Markell has said recently that he is "willing to discuss" reduced penalties for possession of small amounts of marijuana, but would not support a move toward full legalization of the drug, as in Colorado in Washington, absent further studies of the consequences.
News Moderator - The General @ 420 MAGAZINE ®
Source: Delawareonline.com
Author: Jon Offredo
Contact: Contact Us | Delaware Online
Website: Group urges state to begin medical marijuana sales
Signed into law in 2011 by Markell, the state's medical marijuana program was delayed because of confusion about how federal authorities would enforce medical marijuana sales. "The governor is committed to implementing a reliable program that minimizes the risk of federal interference and meets the needs of medical marijuana patients," said Markell spokeswoman Kelly Bachman in an e-mail. But Patchell said having one dispensary will create extraordinary difficulty for some of the 55 individuals holding cards for medical marijuana. It will mean patients with medical issues such as HIV and cancer could have to travel long lengths to pick up medicine. The only alternative is to buy marijuana off the streets. Not only are patients getting low-quality and potentially tainted marijuana, but some may have to travel to dangerous areas, Patchell said.
The groups plan to speak with the governor Tuesday about the potential for the regulation and taxation of marijuana for citizens over 21. Legalizing marijuana could be the cure to some of the state's financial ailments, bringing much-needed revenue at a time when the state faces a budget shortfall, Patchell said. Markell has said recently that he is "willing to discuss" reduced penalties for possession of small amounts of marijuana, but would not support a move toward full legalization of the drug, as in Colorado in Washington, absent further studies of the consequences.
News Moderator - The General @ 420 MAGAZINE ®
Source: Delawareonline.com
Author: Jon Offredo
Contact: Contact Us | Delaware Online
Website: Group urges state to begin medical marijuana sales
