Medical Marijuana Program E-Alert:  Update on Program Progress

The Medical Marijuana Program remains on track for product to be available at dispensary facilities by late summer or early fall. All of the production facilities have made significant progress in building out their facilities, and Drug Control inspectors have been to each location on several occasions to inspect the work as it progresses and to ensure that the plans approved by the Department are being implemented. Likewise, we have been in regular contact with the licensed dispensary facilities to ensure they are on track to be ready to open once product is available from the producers. 

As we approach September and receive information on dispensary facility opening dates, we will issue additional e-alerts.

Once dispensary facilities open, registered patients and caregivers may purchase up to 2.5 ounces of medical marijuana per month, unless the patient’s certifying physician indicates that a lower amount is appropriate. The Department is not setting prices on marijuana products.

The following are reminders for anyone who is planning to buy medical marijuana from one of Connecticut’s dispensary facilities when they open for business later this year.

1.     Acquiring a registration card is a multi-step process:

·         Step 1: The physician initiates the registration process by logging into a secure, online system and certifying their patient.

·         Step 2: After the physician electronically submits a valid certification, their patient can access the online system to complete the patient portion of the application.

·         Step 3: If the physician certifies the need for a primary caregiver, the caregiver can log in after the patient, and complete the application.

2.     Only Connecticut residents over the age of 18 who are being treated for one of 11 debilitating medical conditions may apply for a registration card. The illnesses are listed here.

3.     The certification and registration processes for physicians and patients are explained in the following two brochures:

·         (for patients) How to Register for a Medical Marijuana Registration Certificate.pdf

·         (for doctors) How to Certify a Patient for a Medical Marijuana Registration Certificate.pdf 

4.     Medical Marijuana cards issued by the Department are valid for one year. Anyone who received their card more than 12 months ago needs to renew their registration and get a new card.

5.     A registration card does not permit the use of marijuana:

·         in a motor bus or a school bus or in any other moving vehicle;

·         in the workplace;

·         on any school grounds or any public or private school, dormitory, college or university property;

·         in any public place;

·         in the presence of a person under the age of eighteen (18); or

·         in any other way that endangers the health

6.     You will need to designate one dispensary facility as your provider of medical marijuana. For those previously registered patients who have not selected a dispensary facility, please do so by August 15, 2014. You may change your designated facility up to four times per year, after which you will need to provide good cause for future changes during the year.

7.     Contact dcp.mmp@ct.gov with registration and certification questions.

If you or someone you know is planning to buy medical marijuana when dispensary facilities open later this year, but you have not yet spoken to your physician about this, prevent later delays by making an appointment with your doctor soon to begin the process of becoming certified, as described in the brochure above. Once certified, follow the steps for obtaining your Connecticut Medical Marijuana card.

Updated Dispensary Facility Contact Information