Medical Marijuana Temporary Regulations for Growers and Processors to be Published in Tomorrow's Pennsylvania Bulletin

HARRISBURG, Pa., Oct. 28, 2016 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Department of Health Secretary Dr. Karen Murphy today announced temporary regulations for medical marijuana growers and processors under Act 16 are slated for publication in tomorrow's The Pennsylvania Bulletin, and are available now online.

Chapter 1141 (general provisions) can be viewed here and Chapter 1151 (growers/processors) can be viewed here.

"This is a unique regulatory process in that Pennsylvanians are able to see and provide input as they are being drafted," Secretary Murphy said. "This transparent process will produce a patient-focused medical marijuana program that gives help to those who need it."

The grower and processor temporary regulations outline the financial, legal and operational requirements needed by an individual to be considered for a grower/processor permit, as well as where the facilities can be located.

Secretary Murphy this week provided an update on the regulations and asked for public comment on dispensary regulations, which are available on the Department of Health's website at www.health.pa.gov until November 4.

The medical marijuana program was signed into law by Governor Tom Wolf on April 17, 2016. Since that time, the department has:

• Completed the Safe Harbor temporary guidelines and Safe Harbor Letter application process, as well as approved 106 applications to date;
• Released public surveys to aid in the development of temporary regulations for growers/processors and dispensaries/laboratories;
• Developed the Medical Marijuana Physician Workgroup, which is scheduled to meet again on November 28; and
• Released a Request for Information for Electronic Tracking IT solutions for the tracking of medical marijuana.

Full implementation of the program is expected to take between 18 and 24 months. The program will provide access to medical marijuana for patients who are Pennsylvania residents under a physician's care for the treatment of a serious medical condition as defined by Act 16. 

Questions about the medical marijuana program can be emailed to [email protected]. Information is also available at www.health.pa.gov.

MEDIA CONTACT: April Hutcheson, 717-787-1783

SOURCE Pennsylvania Department of Health

Related Links

http://www.state.pa.us