Pubdate: Sat, 25 May 2013
Source: Boston Herald (MA)
Copyright: 2013 The Boston Herald, Inc
Contact:  http://news.bostonherald.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/53
Note: Prints only very short LTEs.
Author: Erin Smith

STATE PROPOSES TO MAKE BIG $ OFF POT SHOPS

Pot proprietors seeking to open a medical marijuana shop will have to 
pony up at least $83,000 in fees, according to new rules proposed by 
state health officials.

The Department of Public Health expects to collect more than $3.9 
million from pot shops and patients in the first year and is looking 
to create a Medical Marijuana Trust Fund to keep the revenue, acting 
Commissioner Cheryl Bartlett said in a letter this week to Secretary 
of State William Galvin.

Bartlett called the fees "affordable" and comparable to other states.

"At the same time, dispensaries will be required to pay their fair 
share," she said.

The first dispensaries in the state could open by the end of the 
year, according to DPH officials, who plan to review licensing 
applications through the summer.

The medical marijuana program - approved by voters in a November 
ballot measure - must be self-sustaining and can't rely on taxpayer dollars.

DPH has proposed potential pot purveyors pay a $1,500 fee for the 
initial application and $30,000 for a more comprehensive application 
if they make it past the first round of scrutiny. Dispensaries that 
receive the green light to open would be charged $50,000 annually and 
have to pay for architectural review of the shop before it opens  a 
minimum fee of $1,500.

Any employees hired by licensed shops would cost the owner an 
additional $500 annual registration fee, according to the proposal.

Meanwhile, medical marijuana patients would be charged $50 annually 
for an identification card, with those who grow their own pot at home 
paying $150 each year. The agency has not said when it will begin 
issuing registration cards to patients.

DPH is soliciting comments on the proposed fees until June 15, 
according to spokesman David Kibbe.
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MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom