This morning law makers finally approved the much anticipated medical marijuana initiative. There are still several steps before the drug will be for sale.
Representative Pam Anderson was on the House committee that brought the bill to it’s current form.
Rep. Pam Anderson: “Well after the governor signs the bill, the health department is in charge of implementing the bill.”
Arvy Smith is the Health Department’s deputy state health officer. She says it will take anywhere from 12 to 18 months before medical marijuana will be available for purchase.
Arvy Smith, DOH: “Once we get closer to the time we can have a grower and a seller in place, we will anticipate that date and begin accepting applications for cards.”
Governor Doug Burgum says legalization paves the way for North Dakota’s future.
Gov. Doug Burgum: “So looking ahead, we share a long border with Canada. You know, Canada is moving towards full legalization of marijuana and I think that’s something our state’s going to be, you know, facing in the next couple of years.”
Rep. Pam Anderson: “I think that’s what the people voted for. They want access to medical marijuana, and they’ll have it in a year!”
Smith says the department of health already knows what their first step will be.
Arvy Smith DOH: “Our goal is we need to get a provider in place first because it is not allowable to bring medical marijuana across the borders until we can grow it in the state…”
Gov. Doug Burgum: “The citizens that voted for this should know that the state has – you, know our full commitment is to moving as quickly as we can, if it’s still maintaining the integrity and the law and the safety of all North Dakotans.”
After 67 days in the legislature and over 40 pages of legislation, the compassionate care act is finally being written into law. The department of health already hired new staff members to take over as implementation proceeds.
credit:myndnow.com
