Pubdate: Tue, 06 May 2014
Source: News Journal, The (Wilmington, DE)
Copyright: 2014 The News Journal
Contact: http://drugsense.org/url/1c6Xgdq3
Website: http://www.delawareonline.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/822
Author: Jon Offredo
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/mmj.htm (Cannabis - Medicinal)

GROUP URGES STATE TO BEGIN MEDICAL MARIJUANA SALES

Medical marijuana advocates say the state has taken too long to 
implement the 2011 law that established Delaware's program and are 
urging Gov. Jack Markell to act.

Much of the issue stems from the state pursuing a single pilot 
medical marijuana dispensary, rather than one in each county, which 
the law allows, said Zoe Patchell, legislative correspondent for the 
Delaware chapter of the National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws.

"We would just like the law implemented as it was written," she said. 
"If it was any other law, it would have been implemented by now."

Requests for proposals to run the state's pilot compassion center 
were issued late last year. Growing by the permitted compassion 
center is expected to begin in July with the first sales to start in 
September. Vendors can cultivate up to 150 marijuana plants, and 
stock no more than 1,500 ounces.

Signed into law in 2011 by Markell, the state's medical marijuana 
program was delayed because of confusion about how federal 
authorities would enforce medical marijuana sales.

"The governor is committed to implementing a reliable program that 
minimizes the risk of federal interference and meets the needs of 
medical marijuana patients," said Markell spokeswoman Kelly Bachman 
in an e-mail.

But Patchell said having one dispensary will create extraordinary 
difficulty for some of the 55 individuals holding cards for medical 
marijuana. It will mean patients with medical issues such as HIV and 
cancer could have to travel long lengths to pick up medicine.

The only alternative is to buy marijuana off the streets. Not only 
are patients getting low-quality and potentially tainted marijuana, 
but some may have to travel to dangerous areas, Patchell said.

The groups plan to speak with the governor Tuesday about the 
potential for the regulation and taxation of marijuana for citizens 
over 21. Legalizing marijuana could be the cure to some of the 
state's financial ailments, bringing much-needed revenue at a time 
when the state faces a budget shortfall, Patchell said.

Markell has said recently that he is "willing to discuss" reduced 
penalties for possession of small amounts of marijuana, but would not 
support a move toward full legalization of the drug, as in Colorado 
in Washington, absent further studies of the consequences.
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