Since the 2016 Election, Patient Advocacy Network
has watched the slow, steady process in Sacramento to combine MMRSA (the
medical marijuana law of 2015) and AUMA (Prop. 64 of 2016). As of this post 61 marijuana-related
bills are active in Sacramento. The
unique and tedious situation in California is applying regulations to an
extensive and thriving medical cannabis industry that has existed for
decades. The real test will be how
the new rules affect the existing businesses.
PAN communicates regularly with Sacramento
officials about the affordability of medical cannabis mandated by the
Compassionate Use Act. One of the
biggest threats to patients is a bureaucracy, and fees and taxes that will make
medical cannabis too expensive for low and moderate income, and disabled
patients. The new rules make it
very disadvantageous for dispensaries to provide free or greatly reduced
medical cannabis to its most vulnerable patient members.
Last few months PAN has also been extremely busy
with medical cannabis providers preparing for local approval and state
permitting. Despite what seems
like legislative chaos in Sacramento, the new regulatory bureau and associated
departments state they will be ready to take applications January 1, 2018.
We will not know what is working or not until full
implementation. PAN is seeking
feedback from patients and providers as to how the new rules are impacting
access and compliance, respectively. Any grievances will be taken up with our state elected
officials at that time.
PAN is also extremely effective in helping
patients get regulations on the local level. We have stopped bans and assisted with crafting workable
guidelines to protect patients and communities. Please contact us if you have questions about getting (better)
medical cannabis regulations in your community.
