Maryland Begins Issuing Medical Cannabis Licenses
Maryland patients have been waiting nearly four years for the state’s medical cannabis program to become operational, which was first approved in 2013. Monday, April 10 was the first day that patients can apply for a license through the Maryland Medical Cannabis Commission (MMCC). Patients with last names that start with the letter A through L will be the first to apply on April 10. Patients with last names that start with letters M through Z can apply the following week on April 17. On April 24, open enrollment begins and anyone can apply.
Those who wish to apply can log into the MMCC’s website and fill out a form. The second step is meeting in person with a doctor for a written certification. Patients may possess a 30-day supply of cannabis, however, edibles are not permitted. Patients who are minors will be permitted, so long as they are assigned to an adult caregiver at all times.
Shannon Moore is one of the members of the MMCC and is working to make the process as fluid as possible. “We’re doing a phased rollout,” Moore told WTOP. “The system is all online.” Patients cannot be qualified unless they meet one of the qualifying conditions and are under the advice of a doctor. Moore is personally affected by the new program. “I got involved in this because I have twins with epilepsy, and I have been very excited to see this happen,” she added.
Qualifying conditions include epilepsy, cachexia, anorexia, wasting syndrome, severe pain, severe nausea, severe or persistent muscle spasms, glaucoma, PTSD and chronic pain. Because there are not yet dispensaries open anywhere in the state, patients will have to wait a few months before they can use their medical cannabis license. When dispensaries begin opening, the MMCC will begin posting their location information on its website.
On April 7, a Senate committee voted to issue seven additional growing licenses in Maryland. Despite the fact that patient licenses are being issued, no cultivation licenses have been issued and no dispensaries are open. The Physician Registry is also open for any licensed physician in good standing with the Maryland State Board of Physicians.
