The state health department said patients in need will be able to get medical marijuana within six months.
State officials announced the development in Harrisburg on Wednesday while unveiling a new patient and caregiver registry. Patients and caregivers can register on the health department’s website.
Officials say residents interested in using marijuana for their medical conditions should talk to their doctors to make sure they are registered to participate in the program. So far, more than 100 doctors have been approved to participate in the program.
According to the health department, prior to registering, patients and caregiver should take these steps:
• Talk to your physician to see if medical marijuana is right for you and ask them if they are registered with the program;
• Make sure the address on your state-issued identification or driver’s license matches where you currently reside;
• If you need assistance in getting medical marijuana, designate a caregiver to help.
More than 300 physicians have registered with the department to participate in the program. On Wednesday, 109 were approved as practitioners. The remaining physicians are completing the
required continuing education and review process.
“We cannot underestimate the role physicians have played in making sure that patients can access medical marijuana,” Dr. Levine said in a statement. “Our physician workgroup also has been helping to make sure this program remains medically focused and an important tool in our medical toolkit.”
The Medical Marijuana Program was signed into law by Governor Tom Wolf on April 17, 2016.
