Pubdate: Fri, 11 Jul 2014
Source: Milford Daily News, The (MA)
Copyright: 2014 The Milford Daily News
Contact:  http://www.milforddailynews.com
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/2990
Author: Steven S. Epstein

THE LAG IN REGISTERING DISPENSARIES

Why you praise an agency ["DPH marijuana licensing process back on
track," July 12] that failed miserably to perform a simple task is
incomprehensible in light of the fact that the law commanded the
agency to have at least one treatment center open and serving patients
in each county by early last winter.

The law is also explicit that until treatment centers open qualified
patients with a recommendation or their designated caregiver registered
with the department may obtain marijuana from the "black market" or 
grow; clearly, an incentive for prompt compliance by the department with 
its duties.

While the department is fiddling and diddling in its duty to register
treatment centers, it objects to caregivers with the ability to get
marijuana for patients to do so for more than one patient. It is blind
to the fact that most patients do not have the ability to grow or
otherwise get the herb. An herb that makes them feel better and
happier by reducing or eliminating their consumption of prescription
drugs that are less effective at treating their conditions and have
unpleasant and potentially deadly side effects.

Steven S. Epstein
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MAP posted-by: Matt