HARRISBURG – Gov. Tom Wolf announced Wednesday that just over 3,800 patients and more than 200 caregivers have registered for Pennsylvania’s medical marijuana program since the Medical Marijuana Patient and Caregiver Registry launched last week.
“Since I signed medical marijuana into law in 2016, the Pennsylvania Department of Health has been laser-focused on implementation,” Wolf said.
“The success of the patient registry one week since it was announced is another indicator of the need for this vital medication, and a testament to the department’s commitment to making medical marijuana available to patients in 2018.”
“The response from patients and caregivers has been extremely positive,” Acting Secretary for the Department of Health and Physician General Dr. Rachel Levine said.
“Right now, patients and caregivers across Pennsylvania can go to our Web site at medicalmarijuana.pa.gov and register to participate in the medical marijuana program. Their next step is to visit an approved doctor to become certified with the program.”
Prior to registering, patients and caregiver should take these steps:
- Talk to your physician to see if medical marijuana is right for you and ask them if they are registered with the program;
- Make sure the address on your state-issued identification or driver’s license match where you currently reside; and
- If you need assistance in getting your medical marijuana, designate a caregiver to help.
“When patients or caregivers are registering, they need to be sure to follow the instructions on the registry,” Levine said. “It is especially important to enter in your identification information exactly as it appears on your driver’s license or state-issued ID.”
The Medical Marijuana Program was signed into law by Wolf on April 17, 2016. Since that time, the department has:
- Completed the Safe Harbor temporary guidelines and Safe Harbor Letter application process, as well as approved 324 applications;
- Completed temporary regulations for growers/processors, dispensaries physicians and laboratories, all which have appeared in the Pennsylvania Bulletin;
- Issued permits to grower/processors and dispensaries;
- Developed the Medical Marijuana Physician Workgroup;
- Approved four training providers for physician continuing education;
- Approved two laboratories to test medication before it is delivered to patients; and
- Approved three grower/processors to begin production of medical marijuana.
The Medical Marijuana Program became effective on May 17, 2016, and is expected to be fully implemented by 2018.
The program will offer medical marijuana to patients who are residents of Pennsylvania and under a physician’s care for the treatment of a serious medical condition as defined by the Medical Marijuana Law.
Questions about the Medical Marijuana Program can be e-mailed to RA-DHMedMarijuana@pa.gov. Information is also available on the Department of Health Web site at www.health.pa.gov.