Maryland’s first medical marijuana dispensary is open for business.
State regulators are giving the Wellness Institute of Maryland in Frederick the green light to open, even though the medicinal marijuana will not be available for months.
Granting a dispensing license is a major milestone for the state’s controversial program, which is being challenged by two lawsuits over how the state chose which firms to license. So far, the state is giving the green light to just one grower.
The plant medicine is expected to be available sometime between Labor Day and Halloween.
A man who asked not to be identified was technically the first in line Thursday to get a prescription filled for medical marijuana.
“I’m extremely excited,” he said. “I’ve seen nothing but benefits from it. I’m excited for Maryland catching up with the times in that regard. I think there is a lot of people who can definitely benefit from it.”
The man, who is certified by the state, wants to use medical marijuana to help alleviate back pain caused by a herniated disc. He has trouble sleeping and can’t sit or stand for long periods of time.
“The biggest thing is staying away from pain medicines, being addicted to opioids and stuff like that. Living your life on that is such a drag and terrible for your body. I’m ready to look for an alternative that’s a little bit healthier,” he said.
The Wellness Institute of Maryland cited security concerns in asking 11 News not to reveal the address or show the building. The business is open and is taking preorders through an online application or by phone.
According to owner Michael Klein, medical marijuana will often be used in pills, tablets, transdermal patches and lotions or ingested through vaping.
Patients certified by the state who have a doctor’s prescription must make an appointment and go through an evaluation before getting the medicine.
There are 9,000 patients who have registered with the state to purchase medical marijuana. The Wellness Institute of Maryland will operate as a doctor’s office. It will not take walk-in visitors and will operate by appointment only. The company is also providing home delivery. The service will cover much of central Maryland.
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