HARRISBURG -- State officials outlined Wednesday how Pennsylvania plans to implement its medical pot program.
Pennsylvania Secretary of Health Dr. Karen Murphy told reporters that we should not expect to see medical marijuana available anytime soon.
The secretary believes it will take up to two years to get the distribution up and running.
Dr. Murphy says the program will be “consistent, competent, and efficient.” But right now, Dr. Murphy says the medical marijuana program is incomplete.
Secretary Murphy announced the Department of Health expects to have the temporary regulations for medical marijuana in place by the end of this year.
“We’re working quickly, swiftly, any other adjective I could choose to share with you how diligently we are working at this, to get this program up and running for those who need it. The reality is, this is a very complex program, in terms of implementation, and we want to make sure we are doing it right,” Dr. Murphy said.
The first temporary regulation will be for growers and processors. It will explain the medical marijuana program's operation, including how to apply to become part of the program.
One rule to be implemented soon: kids first.
Beginning next month, people 17 and under with serious medical conditions will be able to bring in the drug from states where medical marijuana is legal.
Still to be determined, who eventually gets to grow, sell, and prescribe medical marijuana in various forms including pills and oils.
“We are surveying and working closely with other states who have implemented medical marijuana programs, for lessons learned and best practices,” Dr. Murphy added.
The medical marijuana program was signed into law by Governor Tom Wolf in April and became effective May 17.
Once the program is complete, doctors will be able to prescribe medical marijuana to patients who meet the proper requirements.
In addition to the temporary regulations, the Department of Health is also reviewing the 123 applications it received for the newly created medical marijuana program director position.
The new director is expected to be on board by mid-July.