Delaware’s first medical marijuana dispensary opened Friday, four years after the state Legislature legalized its use.
The First State Compassion Center at 37 Germay Drive outside of Wilmington is open from 10:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Users must be registered medical marijuana cardholders with the Delaware Department of Health and Social Services.
The United States Drug Enforcement Administration still classifies marijuana for any purpose as an illegal Schedule 1 substance, along with heroin and methamphetamine.
Marijuana “has no accepted medical use in the United States,” according the 2014 National Drug Threat Assessment Summary from a D.E.A.
The U.S. Congress passed a bill in December directing federal law enforcement to not arrest medical marijuana sellers. House and Senate committees earlier this month passed amendments to spending bills that would prohibit the U.S. Department of Justice from using federal dollars to target medical marijuana operations.
Under state law, and with certification from a doctor, Delawareans can use marijuana to treat symptoms associated with cancer; Alzheimer’s disease; post-traumatic stress disorder; and conditions that cause intractable nausea, severe pain or seizures, among other illnesses.
Gov. Jack Markell signed a bill last week that decriminalizes the possession of 1 ounce or less of marijuana for personal use. The law, which takes effect in six months, eliminates criminal penalties for possession. A violation will be considered a civil offense punishable by a $100 fine and would not become part of a person’s criminal record.
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Full Article: First medical cannabis clinic in Delaware opens
Author: Karl Baker
Contact: kbaker@delawareonline.com
Photo Credit: Suchat Pederson
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