medical marijuana

Mass. Medical Marijuana Regulations Approved, Communities Prepare For Dispensaries

Lucas Willard — Thu, 09 May 2013 22:56:56 +0000

On Wednesday, public health officials in Massachusetts approved a set of final regulations for the use of medical marijuana, and before the first dispensaries are expected to open, some communities are taking action to accommodate them.

The state’s Public Health Council approved the draft regulations on medical marijuana drawn up by the Massachusetts Department of Public Health.

Under the law approved by voters last November, up to 35 dispensaries will open in communities across the state, but not for the next several months.

Katz' Attorney: "No Charges; No Story"

Dave Lucas — Thu, 25 Apr 2013 17:30:27 +0000

Westchester County assemblyman Steve Katz was to have been in an upstate court this morning to address charges of marijuana and speeding violations dating back to mid-morning on March 14 when his car was stopped by a state trooper along a stretch of the Thruway in the Southern Albany County town of Coeymans.

One Day Of Public Hearings On Medical Marijuana Regulations

Paul Tuthill — Thu, 18 Apr 2013 22:05:00 +0000

The Massachusetts Department of Public Health is holding three simultaneous public hearings Friday on proposed medical marijuana regulations.

The draft regulations do not specify what diseases or conditions may be treated with marijuana. Dr. Karen Munkaci, a physician and breast cancer survivor said a physician is best able to determine if a patient might be helped by marijuana

Advocates: Medical Marijuana in NY closer than ever

Dave Lucas — Fri, 29 Mar 2013 16:27:28 +0000

This could be the year that New York joins the 18 other states including Connecticut, Massachusetts, New Jersey and Vermont, that already have medical marijuana laws on the books.

On Tuesday, New York State Senator Diane Savino and Assembly Health Committee Chair Richard Gottfried, along with 68 other co-sponsors, introduced a bill to allow seriously ill patients in the Empire State to use medical marijuana legally with a doctor’s recommendation. Gottfried argues passage of the law is long past overdue.

AG Says Massachusetts Towns Can Not Ban Marijuana Centers

Paul Tuthill — Wed, 13 Mar 2013 18:56:20 +0000

The Massachusetts Attorney General says towns can not impose a total ban on marijuana treatment centers.

The attorney general’s office said an outright ban conflicts with the medical marijuana law approved by Massachusetts voters last year. Communities can adopt zoning-by-laws to regulate the location of the dispensaries, and temporary moratoriums are ok to allow for time to put the zoning in place. Michael Cutler is an attorney in Northampton, who represents several clients looking to open marijuana treatment centers.

New York State Assemblyman Richard Gottfried - The budget and medical marijuana

Patrick Donges — Thu, 07 Mar 2013 20:30:00 +0000

State budget negotiations are continuing in Albany this week in the run-up to the self-imposed March 21st deadline set by state legislators and Governor Andrew Cuomo.

New York Assemblyman Richard Gottfried, Democrat of Manhattan’s 75th district, spoke with WAMC's Patrick Donges for an update on budget negotiations and the prospects for medical marijuana in the Empire State, a cause he has long championed.

People Offer Opinions On Medical Marijuana Rules

Paul Tuthill — Wed, 27 Feb 2013 23:04:00 +0000

The clock is ticking for health officials in Massachusetts to write regulations for medical marijuana. More than 50 people spoke at a public hearing in Holyoke on Wednesday.

People with diseases and disabilities spoke passionately about the use of medical marijuana and called for rules addressing the proper type, dosage and availability of the medicine. Charles Papsadori has multiple sclerosis and says medical marijuana relieves the muscle spasms in his legs, but does not leave him groggy the way painkillers do.

Berkshire Cities to Begin Dispensary Discussions

Lucas Willard — Fri, 22 Feb 2013 17:43:27 +0000

Pittsfield Mayor Dan Bianchi and his administration have developed a set of guidelines related to the permitting of medical marijuana dispensaries in the city.

Currently, the Massachusetts Department of Public Health is working to meet a May 1^st deadline to finalize medical marijuana regulations in the state. Mayor Bianchi said he’d like to see the City of Pittsfield begin working on their own framework in the meantime.

Mass. to seek public input on medical marijuana

Jaired Crofut — Wed, 13 Feb 2013 12:52:53 +0000

WORCESTER, Mass. (AP) — Massachusetts public health officials are set to begin a series of "listening sessions" to get input from the public as they develop regulations for medical marijuana.

The first session will be held Wednesday in Worcester, followed by another session Thursday in Boston and a third session Feb. 27 in Holyoke.

Many Seek Clarification of Mass. Medical Marijuana Law as Listening Tour Begins

Lucas Willard — Tue, 12 Feb 2013 23:00:00 +0000

Public hearings on the future regulation of medical marijuana in Massachusetts will be held this month, but as a deadline approaches, some are concerned that the state’s final regulations may come later than expected.

Beginning Wednesday evening, state officials from the Massachusetts Department of Public Health will hold a series of public listening sessions before the implementation of medical marijuana regulations.