Medical cannabis caregivers told state regulators they are worried that proposed rules will make it harder for them to operate amid rising electric costs, falling prices, and competition from the recreational market.
The revised regulations, written in response to directives from state lawmakers, clarify requirements for fencing, require caregivers with a storefront to retain video footage for 14 days, and expand the state’s authority to issue fines, said Vern Malloch, deputy director of operations for the Office of Cannabis Policy.
Most of those who spoke at the public hearing said they were worried about whether the state is going to make it harder for medical caregivers to do business and for patients to get their medicine. Medical cannabis patient Mary Spencer of Winthrop said the pain she suffers following a brain injury can only be addressed by cannabis.
“I can’t afford to go to those stores and buy it,” Spencer said. “I need this medicine, and I’m afraid you’re going to take it away. I love my gardeners, and I know they are not putting pesticides on my stuff.” Spencer and several others referred to the possibility of new testing requirements, but they are not proposed in the current batch of revisions, Malloch said.
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