Providing marijuana to the public is one of the most controversial and new businesses that exists, mainly because marijuana is still widely seen as a dangerous, illegal drug, rather than a medicine or healing aide for people. The side that many people do not consider is that marijuana is a huge part of caring for patients that have debilitating medical conditions like cerebral palsy, epilepsy, seizures, cystic fibrosis, cancer, and patients that are facing a terminal illness. Those that have marijuana licenses have regulations and laws to follow in order to keep providing marijuana to people that need it.
Dispensaries and Their Regulations
The medical marijuana dispensary license is granted to those that are qualified to acquire, distribute, and dispense marijuana. The Department of Consumer Protection (DCP) has the authority to grant and revoke marijuana licenses. The DCP requires license holders to have an active pharmacist license that is in good standing with the DCP first and have a position with the Connecticut licensed Medical Marijuana Dispensary Facility. The major aspects of the application include personal information, all other licenses and permits, employment, dispensary facility information, criminal actions, and a passport. All dispensary licenses must be renewed with the DCP annually, otherwise, they will expire. Selling marijuana with an expired license can result in disciplinary action.
The DCP and the Commissioner set regulations for dispensaries and have the authority to set regulations for dispensaries. Dispensaries must be able to maintain control over the marijuana and prevent theft or loss and maintain the knowledge and ethics required to ensure the safety of distributing marijuana. Maintaining a valid license means carrying out the business plan, marketing plan, site plan, zoning approval, facility design, financials, security, and patient education that was proposed during the application process. A major part of maintaining a dispensary license is doing more than the minimum requirements from the DCP. This includes developing strong community relationships, risk prevention, and compliance with state and local laws.
Additional Regulations
The DCP has set forth extensive regulations for marketing the distribution of marijuana. Marketing marijuana is closely regulated because the DCP does not want the marijuana industry to attract the wrong people or be misinformed about the intended use of marijuana. Advertisements must comply with the DCP guidelines and be socially responsible and if they are not in compliance, the dispensary could face fines, financial penalties, reputation damage, or other disciplinary action.
Navigating an extensive list of laws and regulations can be difficult and especially in the marijuana industry, licensees are closely watched and scrutinized. If you have a marijuana license, you have probably put a lot of time and money into your business and dedicated yourself to helping those that need marijuana to live their daily lives. If you are facing a denial, suspension, revocation, or other disciplinary action regarding your license, contact our office to speak with an attorney today.
