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The state of Delaware has been part of the growing number of states in the United States that have legalized the use of medical marijuana. This move was initiated by the signing of the Delaware Medical Marijuana Act (DMMA) into law by Governor Jack Markell in May 2011. The law allows patients with certain qualifying conditions to use medical marijuana as a form of treatment.

The DMMA is administered by the Delaware Department of Health and Social Services (DHSS), specifically the Division of Public Health. The DHSS is responsible for the registration of patients, caregivers, and physicians involved in the medical marijuana program. It also oversees the operation of compassion centers, which are the only legal outlets for the distribution of medical marijuana in Delaware.

Under the DMMA, patients with qualifying conditions can apply for a registry identification card, which allows them to possess up to six ounces of medical marijuana. The qualifying conditions include cancer, HIV/AIDS, decompensated cirrhosis, ALS, Alzheimer’s disease, post-traumatic stress disorder, and conditions causing severe, debilitating pain that has not responded to previously prescribed medication.

To qualify for the program, a patient must be a Delaware resident and have a bona fide physician-patient relationship with a Delaware-licensed physician. The physician must provide a written certification stating that the patient has a qualifying condition and could benefit from the use of medical marijuana.

Once approved, patients can obtain medical marijuana from one of the state’s compassion centers. As of now, there are four operational compassion centers in Delaware: The First State Compassion Centers in Wilmington and Lewes, Columbia Care in Smyrna, and Fresh Delaware in Newark. These centers are highly regulated and are the only places where patients can legally purchase medical marijuana.

The medical marijuana program in Delaware has not been without controversy. Critics argue that the list of qualifying conditions is too restrictive and that the process of obtaining a registry identification card is too cumbersome. If you have any questions about where by and how to use Medical Marijuana For Back Pain?, you can get in touch with us at the web site. There have also been concerns about the high cost of medical marijuana at the compassion centers, which can be a barrier for low-income patients.

Despite these challenges, the medical marijuana program in Delaware has seen steady growth since its inception. According to the DHSS, as of December 2020, there were over 10,000 active cardholders in the state. This number is expected to continue to grow as more people become aware of the potential benefits of medical marijuana.

In terms of future developments, there have been ongoing discussions about expanding the list of qualifying conditions and making the application process more accessible. There is also a growing push for the legalization of recreational marijuana in Delaware, which could have significant implications for the medical marijuana program.

In conclusion, the medical marijuana program in Delaware represents a significant shift in the state’s approach to drug policy and patient care. While there are still challenges to be addressed, the program has provided a new treatment option for thousands of Delaware residents suffering from debilitating conditions. As the program continues to evolve, it will be important to ensure that it remains accessible and affordable for all patients who could benefit from medical marijuana.