Despite fears of being absorbed by a massive recreational cannabis system passed this year, patients in the medical cannabis system authorized in 2012 might end up with the best of both worlds. When the recreational retail system gets set up in the early spring of 2025, there will be an expansion in the number of dispensaries where medical cannabis products can be purchased. Price reductions will likely result from wider competition.
“Patients who have been going to the two providers for the last nine years have been extremely limited,” Patrick McClellan said. “Now their options are going to expand tremendously. And I guarantee patients who have been in the program for a long time are going to be shopping for new places, new products, but definitely for lower prices.”
The annual fee to be in the program – $200 for most patients and $50 for disabled veterans and those on medical assistance – was eliminated, and purchases of medical marijuana will not be subject to the new 10% cannabis tax. Patients need only renew their certification with a physician every three years instead of annually.
Now, the two medical providers – RISE and Green Goods – are allowed only eight dispensaries each across the state. That requires some patients to travel long distances many times a year. Allowing a new mid-sized provider called a mezzobusiness to serve medical customers will increase access.
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