Beginning Oct. 1, MMP Patients are no longer restricted to a single dispensary; Pharmacists will utilize real-time uploads to Prescription Drug Monitoring Program
OCTOBER 1, 2021 — Effective today, patients registered with the Department of Consumer Protection’s (DCP) Medical Marijuana Program are no longer required to select a designated dispensary facility and may utilize any of the state’s 18 licensed medical marijuana dispensary facilities to purchase products.
Previously, patients were required to register their designated dispensary facility with DCP and were permitted to purchase products only from that dispensary facility. This new change — effective as a result of Public Act 21-1 An Act Concerning Responsible And Equitable Regulation Of Adult-Use Cannabis — is possible thanks to the Prescription Drug Monitoring Program, which allows pharmacists at dispensary facilities to upload real-time data when medication is dispensed.
“This change will provide greater choice and better access to patients who rely on these products,” said DCP Commissioner Michelle H. Seagull. “It also provides patients more flexibility if their preferred dispensary does not have their medicine in stock.”
Pharmacists in the dispensary facilities will continue to use their professional judgement and expertise when evaluating patients who are new to their dispensary to ensure they continue to deliver the high level of care patients deserve.