BOSTON - The number of people treating their chronic pain, cancer symptoms or other medical conditions with marijuana has nearly quadrupled in a year, but a scarcity of licensed dispensaries and supply shortages are keeping many from getting their medicine, advocates say. At least 24,196 patients are certified to buy medical marijuana in Massachusetts, according to the Department of Public Health, up from nearly 7,846 a year ago. In April, patients bought 9,603 ounces of marijuana from six licensed dispensaries, according to the department. [continues 775 words]
BOSTON - Carrying small amounts of marijuana is no longer a crime in Massachusetts, but the state may soon ban the fake stuff. Massachusetts could join at least 43 states that have cracked down on the sale of chemical-laden synthetic marijuana now legally available on the shelves of gas stations, convenience stores and smoke shops. Leafy looking products with names like "Spice," "Mojo" and "Black Mamba" are typically made from herbs but laced with acetone and other chemicals that mimic THC, the active drug in marijuana, according to the National Institute on Drug Abuse. [continues 960 words]
