Medical Marijuana was passed by North Dakota voters more than a year ago.
But, people with medical problems are still unable to use it.
Since medical marijuana passed in the state there’s been a lot of changes to the bill.
And most of the changes haven’t been available to the public.
Until now.
Today the department of health held a public hearing.
And they had a lot of questions and concerns.
“You hear so much from the public and I want to hear it straight from the people that are in charge,” said Kay Arnson, Minot Resident.
Kay Arnson is an advocate for medical marijuana.
“My reason for seeking the medical marijuana would be fibromyalgia is a big one and arthritis,” said Arnson.
Her reason goes beyond even that.
“I want to get off all the opoids,” said Arnson.
And she’s not the only one who feels that way.
“I would love to get off them,” said Taylor Ojolo, Minot Resident.
But since medical marijuana isn’t available yet — they don’t have any other options.
“The medical marijuana program law and statutes became effective April 18th, 2017. That’s when the department knew when the requirements of the program would be,” said Jason Wahl, Division of Medical Marijuana Interim Director.
“It’s encouraging but frustrating that we voted November of 16 and here we are december of 17 and we’re still a long ways out,” said Arnson.
Lots of rules and regulations are in the process of becoming official, but before that happens, the Department of Health is seeking public comment.
“It’s not to sit there and just get high, it’s to help get through the days that are harder,” said Ojolo.
According to Wahl, majority of the rules revolve around manufacturing and the dispenseries.
“Law has a maximum of 2 manufacturing facilities and state law identifies 8 dispensieries,” said Wahl.
Until the rules are set in stone, people like Kay, won’t be able to take use medicial marijuana.
“When you start talking 14 medications a day it would be nice to not have to do that,” said Arnson.
Medicial marijuana won’t be available to anyone who goes to the doctor.
The interm Director says that you have to have one of the fourteen medical conditions listed in the rules.
Whether you have one of those conditions or not, Wahl says the department anticipates that it will still be another 10 to 12 months before medical marijuana is available at all.
credit:myndnow.com