Pubdate: Wed, 29 Oct 2014
Source: Washington Times (DC)
Copyright: 2014 The Washington Times, LLC.
Contact:  http://www.washingtontimes.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/492
Page: A12

MEDICAL MARIJUANA PANEL CONSIDERS REGULATIONS

A medical marijuana regulations panel in Maryland delayed a vote 
Tuesday in order to take a second look at fees for growers, 
dispensers and patients, which critics say are too high.

The commission, which has been criticized for taking too long to 
finalize regulations, also has added marijuana extracts to the 
regulations, so patients could ingest the drug without smoking, after 
receiving input from the public. Maryland passed legislation this 
year authorizing 15 licensed marijuana growers after a 
medical-marijuana law approved in 2013 stalled.

Fees for marijuana growers have been initially set at $250,000 every 
two years. The fee for dispensaries is $80,000 every two years. 
Qualifying patients would have to pay $100 for an identification 
card, plus the cost for marijuana.

Dr. Paul Davies, who chairs the commission, said he is hopeful the 
board will be able to vote on the regulations, which now fill 98 
pages, at its next meeting on Nov. 13.
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MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom