First Medical Marijuana Dispensary in Hawaii Gets Green Light From DOH

Headshot of The Health Law Firm's attorney George F. Indest IIIBy George F. Indest III, J.D., M.P.A., LL.M., Board Certified by The Florida Bar in Health Law

On August 8, 2017, after waiting 17 years, Hawaii will begin dispensary sales of medical marijuana to patients. Maui Grown Therapies got the green light from the Hawaii Department of Health (DOH) to begin selling medical cannabis. I know (from reliable sources, that is) that Hawaiian grown marijuana has always been a favorite with the connoisseur.

Maui Grown Therapies.

The Maui dispensary has been pre-registering patients and will begin selling medical cannabis to patients by appointment only, said Freitas Gorman, director of community relations and patient affairs. Walk-in sales will start in about a week.

In 2000, Hawaii was among the first states to legalize medical marijuana. But the state didn’t legalize dispensaries until 2015, so the state’s 18,000 patients had to grow or obtain the drug on their own.

“This is an important day for qualified patients and caregivers on Maui who now have assurance the medical cannabis they purchase at Maui Grown Therapies has been thoroughly tested and is safe for them to use,” said Virginia Pressler, director of the state Department of Health, in a statement. “Implementing a new health program is always challenging, and the dispensary program was no exception.”

To read the press release from the DOH, click here.

To read more on the status of medical marijuana in Florida, click here to read my prior blog.

To learn more about how the attorneys of The Health Law Firm can assist you in legal matters involving medical marijuana, click here.

To stay on top of medical marijuana issues, be sure to check out our Medical Marijuana Law Blog regularly.

Contact Experienced Health Law Attorneys for Medical Marijuana Concerns.

The Health Law Firm attorneys can assist health care providers and facilities, such as doctors, pharmacists and pharmacies, wanting to participate in the medical marijuana industry. We can properly draft and complete the applications for registration, permitting and/or licensing, while complying with Florida law. We can also represent doctors, pharmacies and pharmacists facing proceedings brought by state regulators or agencies.

Sources:

Bussewitz, Cathy. “FIRST MEDICAL MARIJUANA DISPENSARY OPENING IN HAWAII.” The Associated Press. (August 8, 2017). Web.

Department of Health. “First dispensary receives approval from Department of Health to
begin sales of medical cannabis for Hawai‘i patients.” State of Hawaii, DOH. (August 8, 2017). Web.

About the Author: George F. Indest III, J.D., M.P.A., LL.M., Board Certified by The Florida Bar in Health Law is an attorney with The Health Law Firm, which has a national practice. Its main office is in the Orlando, Florida, area. www.TheHealthLawFirm.com The Health Law Firm, 1101 Douglas Avenue, Altamonte Springs, Florida 32714, Phone: (407) 331-6620.

KeyWords: Medical marijuana legislation, medical marijuana defense attorney, legal representation for medical marijuana, legal representation for Department of Health issues, medical marijuana representation in Florida, Medical and recreational marijuana use, legal counsel for medical marijuana, marijuana defense attorney, complex health related business transactions, legal opinions on medical issues, legal representation for medical marijuana growers and distributors, legal counsel for medical marijuana, DOH defense attorney, The Health Law Firm attorney reviews, The Health Law Firm reviews, Florida medical marijuana defense attorney, Board of Medicine defense lawyer, reviews of The Health Law Firm, access to medical marijuana in Florida, The Health Law Firm, legal representation for applicants of marijuana dispensary license, legal representation for marijuana dispensary medical directors, legal representation for contracts for marijuana related matters, legal representation for physicians and medical director agreements, legal representation for licensure and regulatory matters involving growers, legal representation for dispensaries and medical directors

“The Health Law Firm” is a registered fictitious business name of and a registered service mark of The Health Law Firm, P.A., a Florida professional service corporation, since 1999.
Copyright © 2017 The Health Law Firm. All rights reserved.

 

Lake County, Florida Votes Unanimously to Ban Medical Marijuana Dispensaries

By George F. Indest III, J.D., M.P.A., LL.M., Board Certified by The Florida Bar in Health Law

On October 24, 2017, Lake County commissioners decided to ban medical marijuana dispensaries, citing the willingness of some neighboring communities to allow medicinal pot shops. The ban applies only to unincorporated areas of the county and not to the surrounding cities.

Access to Medical Marijuana.

Twenty-five states have already approved the use of medical marijuana and four states allowed recreational use. California, along with Massachusetts and Nevada approved the legalization of recreational pot use. Florida was joined by Arkansas, Montana and North Dakota in approving medical marijuana use.

Florida’s Amendment 2 passed with 71 percent of the vote. Those opposed to Amendment 2 feared that its passage would lead to pop-up dispensaries with little supervision. But supporters are convinced that it’s a necessary treatment for a wide variety of conditions from seizures to PTSD, addiction to opiates and cancer.

Non-Supporters of Medical Marijuana.

Lake County officials cited restrictive state rules that give local governments two zoning options: ban them all together or treat them like a CVS, Walgreen’s or another pharmacy. Government leaders in Apopka, Winter Garden and Winter Park have also banned marijuana dispensaries.

“It doesn’t mean people cannot have medical marijuana delivered right to their homes from a dispensary,” Commissioner Leslie Campione said after the unanimous vote. “It doesn’t mean they can’t get a prescription or can’t use it. We just don’t feel like we should be introducing these storefronts and dispensaries in the rural areas.”

In 2016, Orlando’s City Council also voted to temporarily ban medical marijuana dispensaries. Click here to read more.

Be sure to check our Marijuana Law Blog regularly to stay on top of marijuana policy in Florida and in the United States.

Contact Experienced Health Law Attorneys for Medical Marijuana Concerns.

The Health Law Firm attorneys can assist health care providers and facilities, such as doctors, pharmacists and pharmacies, wanting to participate in the medical marijuana industry. We can properly draft and complete the applications for registration, permitting and/or licensing, while complying with Florida law. We can also represent doctors, pharmacies and pharmacists facing proceedings brought by state regulators or agencies.

Sources:

Hudak, Stephen. “Lake County becomes latest in Central Florida to ban medical marijuana shops.” Orlando Sentinel. (October 24, 2017). Web.

Medina, Carlos. “Lake County set to ban medical marijuana dispensaries.” Daily Commercial. (October 10, 2017). Web.

About the Author: George F. Indest III, J.D., M.P.A., LL.M., Board Certified by The Florida Bar in Health Law is an attorney with The Health Law Firm, which has a national practice. Its main office is in the Orlando, Florida, area. www.TheHealthLawFirm.com The Health Law Firm, 1101 Douglas Avenue, Altamonte Springs, Florida 32714, Phone: (407) 331-6620.

KeyWords: Florida medical marijuana legislation, medical marijuana defense attorney, legal representation for medical marijuana, legal representation for marijuana legislation, marijuana defense attorney, legal representation for Department of Health issues, medical marijuana representation in Florida, Medical and recreational marijuana use, legal counsel for medical marijuana issues, legal representation for medical marijuana growers and distributors, legal counsel for medical marijuana, The Health Law Firm attorney reviews, The Health Law Firm reviews, Florida medical marijuana defense attorney, reviews of The Health Law Firm, access to medical marijuana in Florida, legal representation for marijuana dispensaries, legal representation for medical marijuana dispensaries, The Health Law Firm

“The Health Law Firm” is a registered fictitious business name of and a registered service mark of The Health Law Firm, P.A., a Florida professional service corporation, since 1999.
Copyright © 2017 The Health Law Firm. All rights reserved.

First Medical Marijuana Dispensary in Hawaii Gets Green Light From DOH

By George F. Indest III, J.D., M.P.A., LL.M., Board Certified by The Florida Bar in Health Law

On August 8, 2017, after waiting 17 years, Hawaii will begin dispensary sales of medical marijuana to patients. Maui Grown Therapies got the green light from the Hawaii Department of Health (DOH) to begin selling medical cannabis. I know (from reliable sources, that is) that Hawaiian grown marijuana has always been a favorite with the connoisseur.

Maui Grown Therapies.

The Maui dispensary has been pre-registering patients and will begin selling medical cannabis to patients by appointment only, said Freitas Gorman, director of community relations and patient affairs. Walk-in sales will start in about a week.

In 2000, Hawaii was among the first states to legalize medical marijuana. But the state didn’t legalize dispensaries until 2015, so the state’s 18,000 patients had to grow or obtain the drug on their own.

“This is an important day for qualified patients and caregivers on Maui who now have assurance the medical cannabis they purchase at Maui Grown Therapies has been thoroughly tested and is safe for them to use,” said Virginia Pressler, director of the state Department of Health, in a statement. “Implementing a new health program is always challenging, and the dispensary program was no exception.”

To read the press release from the DOH, click here.

To read more on the status of medical marijuana in Florida, click here to read my prior blog.

To learn more about how the attorneys of The Health Law Firm can assist you in legal matters involving medical marijuana, click here.

To stay on top of medical marijuana issues, be sure to check out our Medical Marijuana Law Blog regularly.

Contact Experienced Health Law Attorneys for Medical Marijuana Concerns.

The Health Law Firm attorneys can assist health care providers and facilities, such as doctors, pharmacists and pharmacies, wanting to participate in the medical marijuana industry. We can properly draft and complete the applications for registration, permitting and/or licensing, while complying with Florida law. We can also represent doctors, pharmacies and pharmacists facing proceedings brought by state regulators or agencies.

Sources:

Bussewitz, Cathy. “FIRST MEDICAL MARIJUANA DISPENSARY OPENING IN HAWAII.” The Associated Press. (August 8, 2017). Web.

Department of Health. “First dispensary receives approval from Department of Health to
begin sales of medical cannabis for Hawai‘i patients.” State of Hawaii, DOH. (August 8, 2017). Web.

About the Author: George F. Indest III, J.D., M.P.A., LL.M., Board Certified by The Florida Bar in Health Law is an attorney with The Health Law Firm, which has a national practice. Its main office is in the Orlando, Florida, area. www.TheHealthLawFirm.com The Health Law Firm, 1101 Douglas Avenue, Altamonte Springs, Florida 32714, Phone: (407) 331-6620.

KeyWords: Medical marijuana legislation, medical marijuana defense attorney, legal representation for medical marijuana, legal representation for Department of Health issues, medical marijuana representation in Florida, Medical and recreational marijuana use, legal counsel for medical marijuana, marijuana defense attorney, complex health related business transactions, legal opinions on medical issues, legal representation for medical marijuana growers and distributors, legal counsel for medical marijuana, DOH defense attorney, The Health Law Firm attorney reviews, The Health Law Firm reviews, Florida medical marijuana defense attorney, Board of Medicine defense lawyer, reviews of The Health Law Firm, access to medical marijuana in Florida, The Health Law Firm, legal representation for applicants of marijuana dispensary license, legal representation for marijuana dispensary medical directors, legal representation for contracts for marijuana related matters, legal representation for physicians and medical director agreements, legal representation for licensure and regulatory matters involving growers, legal representation for dispensaries and medical directors

“The Health Law Firm” is a registered fictitious business name of and a registered service mark of The Health Law Firm, P.A., a Florida professional service corporation, since 1999.
Copyright © 2017 The Health Law Firm. All rights reserved.

 

First Medical Marijuana Dispensary in Hawaii Gets Green Light From DOH

By George F. Indest III, J.D., M.P.A., LL.M., Board Certified by The Florida Bar in Health Law

On August 8, 2017, after waiting 17 years, Hawaii will begin dispensary sales of medical marijuana to patients. Maui Grown Therapies got the green light from the Hawaii Department of Health (DOH) to begin selling medical cannabis. I know (from reliable sources, that is) that Hawaiian grown marijuana has always been a favorite with the connoisseur.

Maui Grown Therapies.

The Maui dispensary has been pre-registering patients and will begin selling medical cannabis to patients by appointment only, said Freitas Gorman, director of community relations and patient affairs. Walk-in sales will start in about a week.

In 2000, Hawaii was among the first states to legalize medical marijuana. But the state didn’t legalize dispensaries until 2015, so the state’s 18,000 patients had to grow or obtain the drug on their own.

“This is an important day for qualified patients and caregivers on Maui who now have assurance the medical cannabis they purchase at Maui Grown Therapies has been thoroughly tested and is safe for them to use,” said Virginia Pressler, director of the state Department of Health, in a statement. “Implementing a new health program is always challenging, and the dispensary program was no exception.”

To read the press release from the DOH, click here.

To read more on the status of medical marijuana in Florida, click here to read my prior blog.

To learn more about how the attorneys of The Health Law Firm can assist you in legal matters involving medical marijuana, click here.

To stay on top of medical marijuana issues, be sure to check out our Medical Marijuana Law Blog regularly.

Contact Experienced Health Law Attorneys for Medical Marijuana Concerns.

The Health Law Firm attorneys can assist health care providers and facilities, such as doctors, pharmacists and pharmacies, wanting to participate in the medical marijuana industry. We can properly draft and complete the applications for registration, permitting and/or licensing, while complying with Florida law. We can also represent doctors, pharmacies and pharmacists facing proceedings brought by state regulators or agencies.

Sources:

Bussewitz, Cathy. “FIRST MEDICAL MARIJUANA DISPENSARY OPENING IN HAWAII.” The Associated Press. (August 8, 2017). Web.

Department of Health. “First dispensary receives approval from Department of Health to
begin sales of medical cannabis for Hawai‘i patients.” State of Hawaii, DOH. (August 8, 2017). Web.

About the Author: George F. Indest III, J.D., M.P.A., LL.M., Board Certified by The Florida Bar in Health Law is an attorney with The Health Law Firm, which has a national practice. Its main office is in the Orlando, Florida, area. www.TheHealthLawFirm.com The Health Law Firm, 1101 Douglas Avenue, Altamonte Springs, Florida 32714, Phone: (407) 331-6620.

KeyWords: Medical marijuana legislation, medical marijuana defense attorney, legal representation for medical marijuana, legal representation for Department of Health issues, medical marijuana representation in Florida, Medical and recreational marijuana use, legal counsel for medical marijuana, marijuana defense attorney, complex health related business transactions, legal opinions on medical issues, legal representation for medical marijuana growers and distributors, legal counsel for medical marijuana, DOH defense attorney, The Health Law Firm attorney reviews, The Health Law Firm reviews, Florida medical marijuana defense attorney, Board of Medicine defense lawyer, reviews of The Health Law Firm, access to medical marijuana in Florida, The Health Law Firm, legal representation for applicants of marijuana dispensary license, legal representation for marijuana dispensary medical directors, legal representation for contracts for marijuana related matters, legal representation for physicians and medical director agreements, legal representation for licensure and regulatory matters involving growers, legal representation for dispensaries and medical directors

“The Health Law Firm” is a registered fictitious business name of and a registered service mark of The Health Law Firm, P.A., a Florida professional service corporation, since 1999.
Copyright © 2017 The Health Law Firm. All rights reserved.

 

Florida Proposed Amendment: Telemedicine Exams Not Allowed for Medical Marijuana Doctor Order

Attorney George F. Indest III HeadshotBy George F. Indest III, J.D., M.P.A., LL.M., Board Certified by The Florida Bar in Health Law

On December 8, 2016, The Florida Board of Medicine issued a proposed amendment to its telemedicine regulations to clarify that physicians cannot order medical cannabis or low-THC cannabis through telemedicine. The regulation is in the preliminary stages and awaits further review

It’s been proposed that Florida residents seeking medical marijuana prescriptions will need to have an in-person examination first.

The Board originally issued the current telemedicine rules in the Spring of 2014. This amendment would add a new Section (5) to the Standards for Telemedicine Practice under 64B8-9.0141, F.A.C.

The regulation would state “(5) Medical cannabis, as defined by s. 381.986, F.S., may not be ordered by means of telemedicine” if the proposed amendment is finalized.

Florida law permits specified physicians to order low-THC cannabis or medical marijuana for patients diagnosed with certain conditions. The proposed telemedicine amendment comes from the overwhelming approval of Amendment 2 by Florida voter’s. The approval allowed for expanding access of medical marijuana in Florida.

Contact Experienced Health Law Attorneys for Medical Marijuana Concerns.

The Health Law Firm attorneys can assist health care providers and facilities, such as doctors, pharmacists and pharmacies, wanting to participate in the medical marijuana industry. We can properly draft and complete the applications for registration, permitting and/or licensing, while complying with Florida law. We can also represent doctors, pharmacies and pharmacists facing proceedings brought by state regulators or agencies.

Sources:

Lima, Debora. “Medical marijuana might be legal, but you won’t get a prescription this way.” South Florida Business Journal. (December 14, 2016). Web.

Ferrante, Thomas and Lacktman, Nathaniel. “Florida: No Telemedicine Exams for Medical Marijuana.” Lexology. (December 12, 2016).Web.

About the Author: George F. Indest III, J.D., M.P.A., LL.M., Board Certified by The Florida Bar in Health Law is an attorney with The Health Law Firm, which has a national practice. Its main office is in the Orlando, Florida, area. www.TheHealthLawFirm.com The Health Law Firm, 1101 Douglas Avenue, Altamonte Springs, Florida 32714, Phone: (407) 331-6620.

KeyWords: Florida telemedicine, proposed telemedicine amendment, Florida Board of Medicine, health law, The Standards for Telemedicine Practice, The Health Law Firm attorney reviews, Florida’s Amendment 2 approved, The Health Law Firm reviews, medical marijuana defense attorney, Board of Medicine defense lawyer, reviews of The Health Law Firm, access to medical marijuana in Florida, The Health Law Firm

“The Health Law Firm” is a registered fictitious business name of and a registered service mark of The Health Law Firm, P.A., a Florida professional service corporation, since 1999.
Copyright © 2017 The Health Law Firm. All rights reserved.

 

Florida Department of Health Urges Caution to Avoid Reported Medical Marijuana Scams

By George F. Indest III, J.D., M.P.A., LL.M., Board Certified by The Florida Bar in Health Law

On April 20, 2017, the Orange County Medical Society (OCMS) Board of Directors was alerted to a scam involving medical marijuana. The scammers attempt to steal credit card information from patients. Patients are requested to provide their credit card numbers in exchange for a bogus offer of free or reduced-cost medical marijuana.

The DOH reports all incidents of potential fraud and scams to law enforcement, but wants to ensure residents and law makers are aware of what to avoid.

Avoid Medical Marijuana Scams.

Be aware that the perpetrators of the scam may mention the Department of Health’s “Office of Compassionate Use” in their phone call solicitations, to make their communication seem more legitimate. The Florida Department of Health (DOH) has released tips on how patients can protect themselves from scams related to medical marijuana. Click here to read the Press Release from the DOH providing these tips.

The DOH regularly updates The Office of Compassionate Use webpage  with accurate information abut medical marijuana. Patients and legal representatives are encouraged to visit this webpage often for news and updates.

If you receive a phone call that you suspect is a scam, report to the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services call 1-800-HELP-FLA (1-800-435-7352).

To stay on top of medical marijuana issues and legislation, check our blog for regular updates here.

To learn about the status of medical marijuana in Florida, click here to watch our informational video blog.

Contact Experienced Health Law Attorneys for Medical Marijuana Concerns.

The Health Law Firm attorneys can assist health care providers and facilities, such as doctors, pharmacists and pharmacies, wanting to participate in the medical marijuana industry. We can properly draft and complete the applications for registration, permitting and/or licensing, while complying with Florida law. We can also represent doctors, pharmacies and pharmacists facing proceedings brought by state regulators or agencies.

Sources:

Cobb, Frasier. “Patients and Physicians Alerted to Medical Marijuana Scam.” Orlando Medical News. (April 20, 2017). Web.

“On the Eve of 4/20, The Florida Department of Health Urges Caution to Avoid Medical Marijuana Scams.” Medical Marijuana Magazine. (April 20, 2017). Web.

 

About the Author: George F. Indest III, J.D., M.P.A., LL.M., Board Certified by The Florida Bar in Health Law is an attorney with The Health Law Firm, which has a national practice. Its main office is in the Orlando, Florida, area. www.TheHealthLawFirm.com The Health Law Firm, 1101 Douglas Avenue, Altamonte Springs, Florida 32714, Phone: (407) 331-6620.

 

KeyWords: Florida medical marijuana legislation, medical marijuana defense attorney, legal representation for medical marijuana, legal representation for Department of Health issues, medical marijuana representation in Florida, Medical and recreational marijuana use, legal counsel for medical marijuana, marijuana defense attorney, complex health related business transactions, legal opinions on medical issues, legal representation for medical marijuana growers and distributors, legal counsel for medical marijuana, DOH defense attorney, The Health Law Firm attorney reviews, The Health Law Firm reviews, Florida medical marijuana defense attorney, Board of Medicine defense lawyer, reviews of The Health Law Firm, access to medical marijuana in Florida, The Health Law Firm

“The Health Law Firm” is a registered fictitious business name of and a registered service mark of The Health Law Firm, P.A., a Florida professional service corporation, since 1999.
Copyright © 2017 The Health Law Firm. All rights reserved.

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