Harrisburg, PA – Secretary of Health Dr. Karen Murphy today encouraged health care providers to participate in an online survey as the agency moves forward in the implementation of the Pennsylvania Medical Marijuana Program.
“Since April 2016, we’ve been working to implement a patient-focused Medical Marijuana Program for Pennsylvanians in desperate need of medication,” Secretary Murphy said. “Many health care providers treat these patients every day and understand the impact this medication could have on their treatment. Provider input is invaluable to ensuring that we are able to implement this program as quickly and effectively as possible.”
During the next month, the department will be logging in applications received for growers/processors and dispensaries and begin the permit-review process.
“We know that the number one question on everyone’s mind is who applied for a permit and where are they looking to place a facility,” Secretary Murphy said. “It’s important that we take this time to ensure that we are conducting every part of this intake and review process carefully, and according to our regulatory requirements. Once that is completed, we will be able to release the number of applications that were received.”
Secretary Murphy said the department anticipates being able to release information about who applied, and for which region or county, after the permits are issued in late June.
The Medical Marijuana Program was signed into law by Governor Tom Wolf on April 17, 2016. Since that time, the department has:
· Completed the Safe Harbor temporary guidelines and Safe Harbor Letter application process, as well as approved more than 212 applications;
· Completed temporary regulations for growers/processors, dispensaries and laboratories which have appeared in the Pennsylvania Bulletin;
· Released applications for grower/processors and dispensaries;
· Developed the Medical Marijuana Physician Workgroup; and
· Released a Request for Quotations for Electronic Tracking IT solutions for the tracking of medical marijuana.
The Medical Marijuana Program became effective on May 17, 2016, and is expected to be fully implemented by 2018. The program will offer medical marijuana to patients who are residents of Pennsylvania and under a physician’s care for the treatment of a serious medical condition as defined by Act 16.
Questions about the Medical Marijuana Program can be emailed to RA-DHMedMarijuana@pa.gov. Information is also available on the Department of Health website at www.health.pa.gov.
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MEDIA CONTACT: April Hutcheson, 717-787-1783 or ra-dhpressoffice@pa.gov
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