Delaware, a small state located in the Mid-Atlantic region of the United States, has been part of the growing trend of states legalizing medical marijuana. The state’s medical marijuana program, established in 2011, has been a significant step forward in providing patients with an alternative treatment option for various medical conditions. This report provides an overview of the policies, usage, and impact of medical marijuana in Delaware.
The Delaware Medical Marijuana Act (DMMA) was signed into law by Governor Jack Markell on May 13, 2011. The law allows patients with certain debilitating conditions to use medical marijuana if a physician certifies in writing that the marijuana may alleviate their symptoms and that the potential benefits of using medical marijuana would likely outweigh the health risks. The conditions include cancer, HIV/AIDS, decompensated cirrhosis, ALS, Alzheimer’s disease, post-traumatic stress disorder, and conditions causing seizures, severe and persistent muscle spasms, intractable nausea, and severe pain that has not responded to previously prescribed medication.
The DMMA also established a registry identification card system for patients and caregivers. To qualify, patients must be Delaware residents and have a written certification from a physician. They must also pay a $125 application fee. Caregivers must be at least 21 years old, have no felony convictions, and be responsible for managing the well-being of a patient with respect to the medical use of marijuana.
The state’s Division of Public Health (DPH) oversees the medical marijuana program. As of 2020, there are four operational compassion centers (dispensaries) in Delaware, located in Wilmington, New Castle, Smyrna, and Lewes. These centers are the only places where patients can legally purchase medical marijuana.
The impact of the medical marijuana program in Delaware has been significant. Here is more regarding Cannabis Docs review our own web-site. As of 2020, there were over 10,000 active cardholders in the state, a number that has been steadily increasing since the program’s inception. This suggests that many Delawareans are finding relief from their symptoms through the use of medical marijuana.
The program has also had economic benefits. The state collects a $40,000 annual licensing fee from each compassion center, as well as a 7% tax on the centers’ gross receipts. These funds are used to cover the costs of administering the medical marijuana program, with any excess going to the state’s general fund.
However, the program has faced challenges. Some patients have reported difficulty accessing the compassion centers due to their limited number and inconvenient locations. There have also been concerns about the high cost of medical marijuana, which is not covered by insurance. Additionally, because marijuana remains illegal under federal law, there are potential legal risks for patients and providers.
Despite these challenges, the medical marijuana program in Delaware continues to grow and evolve. In 2016, the state added PTSD to the list of qualifying conditions, and in 2019, it added anxiety. There have also been efforts to expand access to the program, such as a bill introduced in 2020 that would allow nurse practitioners and physician assistants to certify patients.
In conclusion, Delaware’s medical marijuana program has provided a valuable treatment option for thousands of patients suffering from debilitating conditions. While there are ongoing challenges related to access and cost, the program’s growth and the state’s willingness to adapt suggest that medical marijuana will continue to play an important role in Delaware’s healthcare landscape.
