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Executive Director, Larisa Bolivar, is originally from the DC metro area with family currently
residing in Maryland. Proper cannabis legalization is a very important cause to me and I want
to ensure that the program is rolled-out the right way the first go around. States Ms. Bolivar.
Maryland borders our nations capital, and setting a good example for the rest of the nation to
follow is not only very critical to cannabiss legitimacy as a medicine, but also as a legitimate
medical program where patients can access a reliable and safe source of quality and affordable
medical cannabis, Ms. Bolivar continues.
Maryland will also see a flood of patients as soon as they begin accepting registration
applications, which will be six months prior to medical cannabis being available at licensed
dispensaries. The state allows physicians to write certifications for any ailment that has not
been treatable through conventional methods, PTSD and, most critically, the state is also
allowing non-residents to obtain certifications as long as they have qualifying conditions. All of
this leading to the realization of a shortage as soon as patients begin purchasing cannabis in
early 2017. If needs arent meet, an already existing black market will be attractive to patients.
Allowing for 10 more cultivation licenses can at least mitigate any potential problems of not
meeting consumer demand, and at least give the state and patients a safety net while the
program matures.
For more information, contact Larisa Bolivar at 703-244-4857.
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