Public Health Council Approves Final Medical Marijuana Regulations
BOSTON (AP) — Massachusetts public health officials have approved final regulations for the use of medical marijuana.
Read: Proposed Guidelines (.pdf)
The unanimous vote Wednesday by the state Public Health Council paves the way for the voter-approved law to take effect, though it will be at least several more months before the state's first medical marijuana dispensaries open.
WBZ NewsRadio 1030's Carl Stevens reports
Medical Marijuana Regulations
The proposed regulations allow patients approved for medical marijuana to receive up to 10 ounces as a 60-day supply. Some acutely ill patients could receive more with permission from their doctors.
The Department of Public Health plans to license up to 35 dispensaries.
In November, Massachusetts became the 18th state to legalize marijuana use for debilitating medical conditions, including cancer, Parkinson's disease and HIV.
The regulations would also allow doctors to recommend marijuana for other "debilitating" conditions that are not specified in the rules.
Copyright 2013 The Associated Press.
