State seeks feedback on rules for medical marijuana dispensaries, laboratories

This week the department, which is writing the rules for Pennsylvania’s medical marijuana program, asked for input on issues affecting dispensaries and laboratories.

The department’s survey is available online through July 5.

It is geared towards people who are well versed in the subject, asking questions such as: What requirements should the department consider relating to the geographic distribution of dispensaries? What laboratory tests are required to determine the form and species of medical marijuana and the percentage of THC and CDB?

The questions are open-ended with a text box for people to write in their answers.

The department opened questions to the public because its goal is to remain transparent as it develops the medical marijuana program, according to department Secretary Dr. Karen Murphy.

“Seeking input from the public, our stakeholders and partners will help us achieve our vision of having a high quality, efficient, and compliant medical marijuana program for Pennsylvania residents with serious medical conditions as defined by Act 16” Murphy said.

Act 16 was signed into law by Gov. Tom Wolf on April 17. It became effective one month later. The department has six months from May 17 to complete the regulations.

The department planned to roll out one phase of regulations per month over the next six months. It started with the application process for growers and processors, according to Corey Coleman, executive deputy secretary for the department.

That section was rolled out in June, and a survey was available then for feedback, a news release said.

Now, the department is writing basic regulations for dispensaries.

In the coming months, it plans also to offer details on the process for caregivers and patients to access the medicine, as well as the rules for physician registration. Physicians will be required to register with the state if they want to recommend medical marijuana to their patients.

All of the regulations will be released initially as temporary, which will give the department time to collect feedback before rules are finalized.

The regulations will be effective for two years from when they are published, a news release said.