Northeast Patients Group has to deal with zoning restrictions and other issues as it picks a site. AUGUSTA - The group awarded four of the six medical marijuana dispensary licenses statewide hasn't yet decided whether to locate its central Maine facility in Augusta or Waterville -- a decision complicated by zoning, a planned new hospital and a proposed highway ramp. Rebecca DeKeuster, executive director of Northeast Patients Group, said she'll work closely with city leaders and the state Department of Health and Human Services to choose a location. [continues 388 words]
The System Includes a First-Year Limit on Sales Sites and Eventually Will Require All Marijuana-Using Patients to Register With the State. AUGUSTA - The House gave final approval Monday to a bill establishing a medical marijuana dispensary and registration system in Maine. After a short debate, the House voted 128-17 in favor of the bill, which expands the existing medical marijuana law. In a November referendum, 59 percent of state voters supported allowing nonprofit dispensaries. The bill makes several changes to the measure approved by voters. [continues 492 words]
AUGUSTA -- The medical marijuana bill that will set up a dispensary and registration system in Maine received final House passage Monday, setting the stage for the next phase of work before dispensaries can open. After a short debate, the House voted 128-17 in favor of the bill, which implements an expansion of the existing medical marijuana law. In a November 2009 referendum, 59 percent of voters supported allowing nonprofit dispensaries to open across the state. Although passage of the bill virtually was assured Monday, the House debate featured passionate testimony on both sides. [continues 589 words]
AUGUSTA -- A legislative committee waded through 44 questions surrounding the state's medical marijuana law Tuesday, including how to regulate use by children and who will be authorized to grow the drug for dispensaries. The Health and Human Services Committee is expected to vote out a final version of the bill this week, but implementing a citizen initiative to allow dispensaries to distribute the drug has proved difficult. The committee delayed action on a proposal by Rep. Anne Haskell, D-Portland, that would require dispensaries to buy marijuana only from state-licensed, wholesale growers. The bill approved by voters in November allows dispensaries to grow it themselves. [continues 381 words]
AUGUSTA -- A New York group that wants to end marijuana prohibition is the only major contributor to Question 5, which seeks to make changes to Maine's medical marijuana law. The Drug Policy Alliance of New York has contributed $30,000 to Maine Citizens for Patients Rights, a Lewiston-based political action committee that supports passage of Question 5 on the Nov. 3 ballot. The citizen initiative seeks to add to the number of conditions for which physicians can recommend the use of medical marijuana, and would allow the creation of nonprofit dispensaries to serve as distribution centers. [continues 217 words]
AUGUSTA -- Law enforcement officials said Monday they oppose a bill that would allow nonprofit medical marijuana dispensaries, fearing easier access to the drug would increase crime. "If this bill becomes law, it will dramatically increase access to this intoxicant," said Geoffrey Rushlau, district attorney for Waldo, Knox, Lincoln and Sagadahoc counties. Rushlau and others testified before the Legislature's Health and Human Services Committee as it considered a bill brought forward by citizen initiative. The bill, L.D. 975, adds conditions that a physician can prescribe marijuana; creates a voluntary identification card for qualified patients; and allows nonprofit dispensaries, which would make access to marijuana easier for patients who have a doctor's permission. [continues 460 words]
