Medical marijuana companies yesterday welcomed the news that state health officials plan to streamline the way they issue dispensary licenses to prevent delays in treatment for those who qualify for it.
"Anything that can be done to facilitate getting medication to patients is something I'd support," said Dr. James Kurnick, a cancer researcher and CEO of Mass Medicum Corp., which received a provisional license in November to open a dispensary in Taunton and a cultivation site in Holbrook.
Department of Public Health Commissioner Monica Bharel yesterday said the licensing system has been "a confusing, overly lengthy process that has delayed appropriate patients from getting access" to medically needed marijuana — a sentiment Kurnick shares.
Under the new process, dispensaries will be licensed in a format similar to pharmacies and other health care facilities, Bharel said. The process, which will formally launch May 15, will set high safety and suitability standards for dispensaries to meet, particularly when it comes to security and background checks, she added.
"This change will create a more efficient, market-driven licensure process that allows the commonwealth to maintain the highest standards of both public safety and accessibility," Bharel said in a statement.
Herald wire services contributed to this report.
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