Applications for Registered Marijuana Dispensaries Start Second and Final Phase

Monday, September 23, the Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH) announced the list of applicants for Registered Marijuana Dispensaries that are eligible to apply for the second and final phase of the competitive application process. Information will be posted on www.mass.gov/medicalmarijuana.

An informational meeting for Phase 2 applicants will be held on Thursday, October 10, at 1 p.m. at the Holiday Inn, 30 Washington Street in Somerville. At the meeting, DPH officials will address questions on the Phase 2 application process.

The voter-approved law allows DPH to register up to 35 non-profit Registered Marijuana Dispensaries across the state in the first year, with at least one but no more than five dispensaries per county. Since the law took effect on January 1, 2013, the Department has sought unprecedented public involvement through listening sessions and public hearings.

The Department enacted regulations and launched a competitive dispensary application process. The Department is also developing a database that will track patient and physician registrations.

DPH is committed to approving dispensaries for qualified patients as soon as possible, while ensuring the selection process meets the highest standards for public health and safety.

Frequently asked questions regarding the Phase 1 application process can be found on Comm-PASS, document number 401620 NOA 1, under the “Intent” tab, in the document titled “Questions and Answers”

This is a very competitive process and we required applicants to meet high standards to advance,” said DPH Commissioner Cheryl Bartlett in a conference call with reporters. “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.”

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