Maryland patients’ long wait finally over as MMJ dispensaries open for business
ROCKVILLE, Md. Maryland began the sale of medical marijuana to residents in pain on Friday, ending years of delays by embarking on a program that features some of the most liberal policies in the nation on who can qualify for cannabis products.
Dozens of people stood outside a licensed dispensary, Potomac Holistics, where owners began making sales soon after receiving their first shipment Friday afternoon.
William Askinazi, one of the owners, said people who work at the store were euphoric that the day had finally arrived.
You can tell theres a buzz, and were excited for so many reasons, Askinazi said. Were giving care to people who need it.
Maryland approved its first medical marijuana law in 2013. But the effort stalled because it required academic medical centers to run the programs, and none stepped forward. The law was changed in 2014 to allow doctors certified by a state medical cannabis commission to recommend marijuana for patients with debilitating, chronic and severe illnesses.
A long line of people cheered late Friday as sales began.
Denise Broyhill was among the first in the door to buy marijuana tablets. She said she was upbeat and relieved after years of delays by authorities in making medical marijuana available in the state. A resident of the state capital city of Annapolis, Broyhill also said she hoped for good results managing the pain from a neurological condition.
Im very excited to try it and relieved to get through the whole process after waiting so long, Broyhill said. Its been a long time, but Im looking to have some good pain management.
While the initial rollout was initially expected to be limited due to available supply, Askinazi said he expected to see between 600 and 1,000 patients over the next three days.
Patrick Allison, of Annapolis, was also among the first in line. He said he suffers from ankylosing spondylitis, a form of arthritis that causes inflammation of the spinal joints that can lead to severe, chronic pain and discomfort.
Its about time, Allison said. I live in chronic pain. You wouldnt know it to look at me, but Im about an eight right now on a scale of one to 10, head to toe. The only thing that works for me is marijuana.
David Johnson, of Frederick, said he was relieved that he could now have access to medical marijuana to ease ...
