On Monday, September 23, the Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH) released the roster of applicants deemed eligible to move forward to the second and final phase of the competitive application process for Registered Marijuana Dispensaries. Details are available at www.mass.gov/medicalmarijuana.
Phase 2 applicants are invited to an informational meeting scheduled for Thursday, October 10, at 1 p.m. The meeting will take place at the Holiday Inn, 30 Washington Street in Somerville, where DPH officials will address questions concerning the Phase 2 application process.
Under the voter-approved law, DPH is authorized to register up to 35 non-profit Registered Marijuana Dispensaries statewide during the first year, with a minimum of one and maximum of five dispensaries per county. Following the law’s effective date of January 1, 2013, the Department has prioritized unprecedented public engagement through listening sessions and public hearings.
Regulations have been established and a competitive dispensary application process has been launched by the Department. Additionally, the Department is creating a database designed to monitor patient and physician registrations.
The Department remains committed to approving dispensaries for eligible patients at the earliest opportunity while maintaining rigorous standards for public health and safety in the selection process.
On Comm-PASS, document number 401620 NOA 1, under the “Intent” tab, in the document titled “Questions and Answers”, applicants can find frequently asked questions regarding the Phase 1 application process.
DPH Commissioner Cheryl Bartlett remarked during a conference call with reporters: “Questions and Answers” “This is a very competitive process and we required applicants to meet high standards to advance. We are fortunate that Massachusetts has a large field of serious applicants, who are capable of making a significant investment to benefit qualified patients and safeguard communities.”