Pubdate: Mon, 19 Aug 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: Christine McConville

MED POT DEADLINE NEAR

Dispensary Hopefuls to File by Thursday

People who want to open medical marijuana dispensaries in 
Massachusetts have until Thursday to hand-deliver their initial 
application to the state Department of Public Health.

"The Department has created a solid regulatory framework for this new 
industry, and now we are ready to move forward with the competitive 
application process," DPH Commissioner Cheryl Bartlett said in a press release.

"We are committed to a fully transparent process that respects 
patient needs, while ensuring safe communities."

The law, approved by voters last November, allows for up to 35 
dispensaries in the state.

The dispensaries will provide marijuana for people with certified 
medical conditions such as cancer, Parkinson's disease and AIDS.

The state has enacted a two step application procedure to select 
dispensary operators.

In the first phase, regulators will review each applicant's financial 
viability and conduct background checks.

Applicants must report if any member of their organization has been 
subject to a felony drug conviction.

Those who clear the initial screening can move on to a second phase 
where a selection committee will review final applications.

Prospective marijuana dispensaries must pay a $1,500 fee as part of 
the Phase 1 application. If they qualify for Phase 2, they will have 
to pay an additional $30,000. Both sets of fees are non-refundable.

Dispensaries that are selected must pay another $50,000 annual fee 
for a state-approved Certificate of Registration.

"The application and patient registration fees that DPH has put into 
place are in line with other states and will be affordable to 
patients," Bartlett said in a statement. "Dispensaries will be 
required to pay their fair share to support this program, so we do 
not rely on taxpayer resources."

DPH will use the fees to meet the program's operational needs, 
including hiring staff and training inspectors to monitor the industry.

DPH also will develop an online system for registering and auditing 
for participant eligibility.

The law is required to be revenue-neutral, and fees are expected to 
cover all estimated operating costs.
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MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom