State Health Officials Unveil New Marijuana Dispensary Rules
BOSTON (CBS/AP) — The Department of Public Health is unveiling changes to the way it issues licenses under the state's medical marijuana dispensary program.
The changes outlined Friday include a revamped application process that allows marijuana dispensaries to be approved similar to how other health care facilities, such as pharmacies, are licensed.
Public Health Commissioner Monica Bharel said the changes will create "a more streamlined, efficient and transparent process."
Scott Zoback, executive director of the Department of Public Health, told WBZ NewsRadio 1030's Kim Tunnicliffe that the new process aims to streamline the system and take politics out of the equation by licensing dispensaries in a way that's similar to pharmacies and other healthcare facilities.
"We believe this new process allows us to maintain high standards of both patient safety and patient access, while making sure the process itself is more efficient and transparent," he said.
The department will provide technical support to applicants throughout the process, something that marijuana companies had complained about during the Deval Patrick administration.
Under the new process, dispensaries will be evaluated individually, not as part of a group. They must show local support — or a lack of opposition — before being approved. Fees will stay the same.
Applications will be accepted beginning on June 29.
Any existing certifications and decisions made last year remain in effect.
So far, no dispensaries have opened.
(TM and © Copyright 2014 CBS Radio Inc. and its relevant subsidiaries. CBS RADIO and EYE Logo TM and Copyright 2014 CBS Broadcasting Inc. Used under license. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. The Associated Press contributed to this report.)
WBZ NewsRadio 1030's Kim Tunnicliffe reports:
(TM and © Copyright 2014 CBS Radio Inc. and its relevant subsidiaries. CBS RADIO and EYE Logo TM and Copyright 2014 CBS Broadcasting Inc. Used under license. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. The Associated Press contributed to this report.)
