Pubdate: Thu, 3 Dec 2009
Source: Detroit Free Press (MI)
Copyright: 2009 Detroit Free Press
Contact: http://www.freep.com/article/99999999/opinion04/50926009
Website: http://www.freep.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/125
Author: Patricia Anstett
Referenced: Michigan Medical Marihuana Program 
http://drugsense.org/url/nDFeNDPs
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/topic/Michigan+medical+marijuana

APPLICATIONS FOR MEDICAL POT PROGRAM PILE UP

Michigan's Medical Marijuana Program is getting 66 applications a day 
- - so many that the state health department can't process them 
quickly, Michigan's Department of Community Health said today.

The department's latest update said the department since April has 
issued 5,873 registrations for patients and 2,440 for caregivers who 
dispense marijuana.

Some 10,393 people have applied to grow or receive medical marijuana 
since April, the department said in a statement.

Applications are reviewed within 15 days, but the department has been 
unable to process all the applications in that time. State law allows 
a person to use a copy of the application to serve as valid 
identification if a card is not issued within 20 days after it is 
submitted for those not informed of a decision by mail, the department said.

The department said it is taking measures to improve the application 
process by the end of the month. 
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MAP posted-by: Richard Lake