July 1st, 2015 by WCBC Radio
With the state publishing draft regulations for medical marijuana and an infrastructure for growing and distributing it coming into view, Marylanders who suffer from chronic pain or debilitating disease could gain access to the drug by the middle of next year. The rules developed by the Maryland Medical Cannabis Commission, which cover doctor registration, licensing, fees and other concerns, were published last week. The state is accepting public comment on the rules through July 27. With the city of Cumberland and Allegany County both been targeted as potential locations for this growing industry, Commissioner Bill Valentine said indications from the Commission are that things should begin to move come September. At that point the commission could begin accepting applications for 15 licenses to grow marijuana, an unlimited number of licenses for processors and licenses for two dispensaries per senatorial district.