Helena – Initiative 182, approved by Montana voters earlier this week, will loosen restrictions on medical marijuana providers in the state.
But the measure also means new responsibilities for the Montana Department of Public Health & Human Services.
The initiative creates a licensing process for providers – separate from the marijuana registry card – and for laboratories that test marijuana.
It requires DPHHS to conduct annual inspections of providers and labs.
The measure also creates a special revenue account with the money from license fees, which will be used to administer the medical marijuana system.
DPHHS spokesman Jon Ebelt says leaders have started looking into the law, but they haven’t determined yet what needs to be done to comply with it.
He says it’s not clear how quickly they’ll be able to implement the new programs.
Most of the provisions of I-182 won’t take effect until June 30, 2017, but others will be effective immediately, including the section calling on DPHHS to establish and maintain a program for licensing providers and labs.
”With the initiative just passing, we’ll be looking first and foremost at those sections that have a sooner effective date, and then we’ll be planning for other things that could come up along the way,” Ebelt said.
“This will allow people to continue to treat their very debilitating conditions,” said Dr. Randy Rottenbiller, who prescribes medical marijuana to patients. “Had this initiative not passed, it would’ve been a huge disservice to a lot of people with some very significant problems.”
With the passage of the initiative, doctors will not be reported to the Board of Medical Examiners for issuing more than 25 prescriptions for marijuana.
Rottenbiller said Wednesday that the change means doctors like himself won’t be under as much scrutiny.
“I think some physicians are hesitant to prescribe because they know they can be reported to the board,” said Rottenbiller.
The qualifying ailments, which include cancer and Crohn’s disease, now include Post Traumatic Stress Disorder.
“We added PTSD which will be really good for so many veterans and patients suffering from that,” said Pincolini. “I’m excited to help more people.”
Because of a clerical error, one of the sections that won’t be implemented until June is a key provision allowing medical marijuana providers to serve more than three patients.
Supporters of I-182 are looking for ways to change the date it takes effect, but it might require action by state lawmakers.
News Moderator: Katelyn Baker 420 MAGAZINE ®
Full Article: DPHHS Reviewing Medical Marijuana Program After I-182 Approval
Author: Jonathan Ambarian
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