Title:
Mass. medical marijuana hearings on Friday
Message:
Our hearts go out to everyone affected by the horrible crime at the Boston Marathon.
While we know it is probably the furthest thing from your minds at this sad time, we wanted to let you know of three public hearings on draft medical marijuana regulations that will be held Friday at 10:00 a.m. — in Plymouth, Boston, and Northampton. Each person has three minutes to speak and should dress in business attire, stay on-point, and be respectful. We encourage patients and their loved ones to speak and others to attend in support. In addition, written comments can be submitted by Saturday, April 20 at 5:00 p.m. Details are available here.
MPP commends the department for seeking to provide sensible rules to regulate the medical marijuana industry, while protecting patients. We’re glad there is time for public comment though because we do have some concerns. They include:
*Limiting patients to a single medical marijuana dispensary center, which can be changed only once every 120 days;
*Onerous restrictions on physicians that may discourage participation, including by requiring them to attend continuing medical education specific to marijuana; and
*Defining a financial hardship as only 133% of the poverty line (or receiving MassHealth or Supplemental Security Income), and thus preventing many patients facing financial hardships from being able to cultivate their own supply.
For MPP’s complete draft comments, click here. Thank you for your time and compassion, and best wishes to you and yours.
