петък, 5 септември 2014 г.

Florida Medical News In The Limelight

By Kerri Stout


Some of the biggest news in Florida is on the medial marijuana front. And, when it comes to Florida medical news, plans for developing a grow to stock dispensaries is on the front page. It is not surprising companies and individuals have started grow operations to supply the ongoing need of patients in many areas.

What is surprising, is that a Florida company is planning on building what is believed to be one of the biggest medical marijuana factories in the Nation, even before a program has been implemented. The owner of the perspective grow believes that having such a large grow will benefit patients. While this may be the case, many other States require that all product be grown on-site and that all dispensaries involved in the production and distribution of medical marijuana operate on a non-profit basis.

As Florida now has authority to distribute at least one medical marijuana strain to patients, there is a need for production. The owners of one warehouse are now looking to implement a large grow in order to fulfill this need. A question remains though as to whether such a facility will be legal either now or in the future. For, while some areas require patients grow the herb at home, others require dispensaries grow all product on site.

As the drug is not covered by insurance, many individuals can appreciate this perspective. In other States, where programs have been in existence for quite some time, homeless and low income individuals often qualify for free medicine at least once or twice a month. Even areas like Oakland, and other dispensaries in California are now required to distribute a specific amount of free product to no or low income patients per month.

Some states offer assistance programs for low income patients. Like with other assistance programs, individuals and couples are often required to submit proof of eligibility. Depending on the number of individuals in a household, income limits can vary but most are quite high in areas where cost of living often exceeds net income.

It is hoped that this new warehouse will see success in the production and distribution of medicine to patients now and in the future. As to what happens to existing dispensaries if full legalization is passed in a State remains to be seen. In most cases, as medical marijuana contains far more THC than other strains, the two will remain separate and apart.

Even without a program yet in place, the owners repeatedly suggest that productivity will be higher than in some other states. Also, it is anticipated that through the use of automated equipment and processing as with tobacco plants that the cost will be remain lower. With Colorado and Washington paving the way for full legalization, it will be interesting to see what happens in those states which have had medical programs in place for years.

While a Statewide program is not yet in place in Florida, the Governor signed a compassionate care act in June of 2014. The act provides for the use of a special strain of cannabis to treat epileptic seizures and other serious illness. While the initial regulations are quite limited as to which illnesses and patients may qualify, it is still a move forward as the measure has received bipartisan support on the local and State level.




About the Author:



Няма коментари:

Публикуване на коментар