Mass Live reports…
The Cannabis Control Commission has taken over Massachusetts’ medical marijuana program.
Sunday’s transition of the program away from the Department of Public Health went smoothly, according to commission staff.
According to the commission, patients, caregivers and dispensaries did not experience any substantial changes in service as the CCC took over the program’s administration.
Nichole Snow, executive director of the Massachusetts Patient Advocacy Alliance, which advocates on behalf of medical marijuana patients, said, “So far, so good.” Snow said she has not heard any complaints about the transition.
The move means oversight of Massachusetts’ medical marijuana and recreational marijuana industries are now both housed under the same government agency.
State officials said previously that the 22 DPH staff members who were working on the medical marijuana program will move to the Cannabis Control Commission.
The CCC is not planning any immediate changes, but the two agencies had to sort out details related to transferring technology, public records, legal and financial affairs and other aspects of the program.
The commissioners at the CCC have said they will address any longer term policy issues related to medical marijuana later on, so that they can give those issues time and attention without interrupting patient service and so they can make use of the knowledge of the former DPH employees working on the program.
The medical marijuana program has a new toll-free phone number, which is (833) 869-6820.
