GSTL NORML has fielded a large number of inquiries since Amendment 2 has passed. The top question asked is “when will I be able to purchase medical cannabis?”
Amendment 2 law started on December 6th, but retail medical cannabis sales may not happen until the first part of 2020. Everyone hopes for a smooth transition to a legal medical cannabis market and Governor Mike Parson seems to be on board.
“The people of Missouri have voted to adopt Constitutional Amendment 2, approving medical marijuana,” offered Gov. Parson, and “as governor, it is my job to ensure successful implementation of the people’s will. We will begin the very detailed process of implementing a process that makes medical marijuana available to qualified patients.”
Officials from the Department of Health and Senior Services (DHSS), met with Dan Viets Missouri State Coordinator for NORML to discuss implementation. In a communication to supporters Viets wrote, “while no specific target date has yet been set, it is clear that Dr. Williams is moving as quickly as he can to get applications available sooner.” Viets indicated that “Dr. Randall Williams, the Director of the Missouri DHSS, and Doug Anderson, an attorney for the DHSS, shared the hope that A2 can be implemented ahead of schedule.”
An information page has been recently published on the DHSS website addressing the timeline for implementation of the provisions in Amendment 2. The timeline begins on Dec. 6, 2018. Important dates to remember are as follows:
Jan. 5, 2019 – Pre-filed application fees will begin to be accepted.
June 4, 2019 – Application forms and instructions will be available.
July 4, 2019 – Applications for identification cards will begin to be accepted.
Aug. 3, 2019 – Facility applications will begin to be accepted.
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The DHSS has created a Frequently Asked Questions page which is available here:
DHSS FAQs
An email address has also been added to the DHSS website to send comments or request more information: MedicalMarijuanainfo@health.mo.gov. Some of our members have reported that the DHSS will send email notifications to interested parties. Here are the contact phone numbers for DHSS: Office Phone: 573-751-6400, Fax: 573-751-6010.
The DHSS will likely conduct public hearings to allow stakeholders to provide input on some of the rule-making process. The department indicated it will review other legal medical marijuana states’ regulations. GSTL NORML will provide updates as the process develops.