Why would marijuana not be dispensed by prescription through a pharmacy?

A very brief summary of the question that was voted on is as follows;
Each county has the opportunity to open a medicinal dispensary
The drug is still governed at the Federal Level as an illegal substance and cannot be prescribed for distribution in a pharmacy
One does not receive an actual physician prescription, there is a fine line here and a reccomendatiom based on medical need as demonstrated through your medical file must be obtained.

I agree with the comment above that it should be dispensed through a pharmacy. I would not like to see a site in my neighborhood. I am shocked that it even was voted in favor of marijuana.

absolutely--why not?

What if they were adjacent to or inside the police stations or court houses? I am not clear on the actual composition of these dispensaries but closer to law enforcement is better than close to schools, imho.

IMO, it should only be dispensed through hospital pharmacies, and a very few of them at that. Surprised that it passed and the dying with dignity did not.

The proposal on the ballot was for dispensaries, not for alignment with the typical medical products distribution. That's why I voted against it. The wording was vague, and clearly intended to simplify distribution to non-medical users. Acton, and all responsible towns, should block dispensary licenses or only allow distribution of marijuana certified to have a completely legal supply chain from grower to the counter.

The state as whole voted for marijuana distribution centers as a method to distribute medicinal marijuana. It will be governed by the board of health. That is what the majority won. An idealistic afterthought of its benefits or how to distribute is not impirtant at this point. Do your research folks, be vocal and make sure your legislators, selectmen and board of health know how you feel. This is very controversial in California and Oregon now that it is law. Oakland, CA is in a very expensive legal battle to close a center. Police are vocal about additional legal issues these centers bring. Do your research, know what your tax dollars will need to now cover and own it.
BTW-NIMBY

I think since it's medical marijuana it should be done through a pharmacy just like all other drugs that are prescribed.

I think that's a misleading and irresponsible choice of photo there, Patch editors.

I could see why you think that, but that is a legal marijuana distribution center the green cross in the window is the indicator.

Karla Vallance - why do you doubt that residents would want a dispensary in Waltham? Considering the fact that question 3 overwhelmingly passed in the ENTIRE STATE, including WALTHAM. The people who are shocked by this decision are clearly in the minority.

I think medical marijuana is a good idea but why set up separate places to distribute it? Why not do it through a pharmacy? I think there would be less chance of misuse of it that way. That's all.

Federal law does not recognize marijuana as a legal drug. Pharmacies are governed by federal and state law; therefore, they cannot distribute it. Also this is owned by the board of health not the FDA.

Fully support dispensaries in Waltham.

I support dispensaries 100% in Waltham and in Massachusetts.

Its amazing to me how something could pass so easily on a ballot question, and yet we still have people crying and complaining that it didn't go their way. Its every excuse in the book "people didn't know what they were voting for". ENOUGH IS ENOUGH. SUPPORT WALTHAM DISPENSARIES.

I really wouldn't care. It just isn't that scary.

I support dispensaries in Waltham

How do I get a license to own and operate a dispensary?

There is absolutely no reason why Waltham shouldn't have dispensaries. I fully back and support it.

The photo made me think that one of the seedy liquor stores in Waltham could be closed, renovated, and used as a dispensary. I'm guessing the photo is from Colorado, and that is what happened there.

I have been a life-long resident of Waltham. I went to elementary,middle, and high school in this lovely city. I could not have been more happier for the people of this city,state and this country than I was on Tuesday. I am not a marijuana user, but I totally support both the new law, and dispensaries in Waltham

I wonder if all you people are going to appolgize for making everyones path on the road to a better life as miserable as you possibly can. I doubt it. After this has been around for a year, and absolutely nothing negative has come of it, where will you all be then? Its time to stop with the misinformation and the old way of thinking. SUPPORT WALTHAM AND LOCAL DISPENSARIES.

Great to have a dispensary in Waltham, reusing an old eyesore storefront and bringing new business interest to this town. Moody Street would be appropriate since the Canabis does elevate mood!

I literally want to rip the hair out of my head. Question 3 passed. What don't you people understand about that??!? There are a select group of people out there that don't get it, and never ever will. Just like our government has ignored us for so long, its time to flip the script and put the minorty on this issue on ignore. Im tired of arguing for something that over 65% of the states residents voted in favor of. People want to call themselves American by excersizing their right to vote, but when the results come in, and they don't like the outcome, well then it starts to become a different story of how we are not going to allow something to happen. I dont know who the hell you people think you are.

I support the new law, and dispensaries in Waltham. Let freedom ring.

Waltham resident - father of 3
I support dispensaries in Waltham

Great then it's settled, Waltham will have the dispensaries. Watertown doesn't need them then.

SilverCan984 and Susan-
I have supplied facts regarding what was voted for by this state and how it works in other states where this is law. In this post and others I am simply clearing up why we cannot distribute in pharmacies or police stations, what some of facts are of question 3 and that I would prefer not to have distribution centers in my town. I have asked people to exercise their freedom, go out and be heard. I never once said I did or did not vote in favor of question 3.
Calling people names, erroneously stating I am hearing impaired or saying I am holding you back is false and not progressive.
In fact not only can I hear, I can read, gather people and speak to the topic with facts and knowledge. THAT IS FREEDOM.

YEA!! right next to burger king!

I am confused how can a state vote to allow when is still against federal law? I would not like it in my area but I have never used it. I am afraid that it will be misused as are perscription drugs are now.

I'm laughing at those of you who have already decided where the dispensaries will be, like you have any say in the matter? I read somewhere that there will be only ONE dipsensary per county, if that, and since there are 14 counties in Massachusetts those of you who are smart enough can do the math yourselves.

Actually Andie there is a minimum of one per county and a maximum of 5 per county for an aggregate total not to exceed 35. From there it is up to the board of health to determine if more permits can be issued. In your town/city there are elected officials who can advocate for a distribution center and/or zoning against it.

Here's an interesting read for those curious about the impact of US marijuana liberalisation on Mexico. http://www.washingtonpost.com/world/the_americas/mexico-says-marijuana-legalization-in-us-could-change-anti-drug-strategies/2012/11/08/7e6d45ba-29ca-11e2-aaa5-ac786110c486_story.html

Good luck to anyone that even tries to open a dispensary in Waltham, save your money and find a different city. I promise you that you'll be harassed by the police, will be faced with illegal harassment of your so called patients, unlawful surveillance, illegal search & seizures! If you do make sure your lawyers office is upstairs, next door, downstairs, in your back room & on call 24/7!!!!!!

I wouldn't mind a dispensary in my neighborhood, would certainly be nicer than a package store. I still don't understand why we voted for "Medical Marijuana" when any clear thinking individual would understand that the majority of pot smokers are not in it for the medical benefit. I think Washington and Colorado did right in making it a straight recreational substance, no different than picking up a 6 pack on Friday night. I don't need to ask my doctor for a prescription for a beer, I shouldn't need to ask for a prescription for weed. I think this is one step closer....but come on....a prescription for weed?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-slZNNxk9a4

First you can't just go to cvs, yes its a prescription but you have to pay for it. There won't be a copay and your health insurance won't cover the cost, neither will any food stamps money. PEOPLE read the bill that was past. Plus if you have children they aren't allowed in a dispenser. Would you want your local pharmacy smelling like WEED! I don't. For anyone states no in my town it is already here and there are worse drugs out there and liquor stores on every corner. For those of us with disabling medical problems yes medical marijuana does help. Just be greatfull that we only past medical use unlike Colorado and Washington states that will make it legal to smoke for everyone 18+.

All I can say is this: I survived cancer (stage four Hodgkins Disease) twice. The first round of chemo was very difficult. I was throwing up before I left the chemo lounge. I tried every medicine they would prescribe including TCH pills. Nothing worked. Nothing. Finally at the urging of my chemo nurse I smoked pot. It was a MIRACLE. I could function. I could eat. I could keep the medicine IN my system. I am alive. I did not get "addicted" nor did I use it as a gateway drug. I gave it up when I was done with my chemo. I am 20 years cancer free and I thank my doctors, my attitude and yes, pot.

Waltham already has too many businesses. Why not have one in Burlington and employ our residences?

TELL US: Would You Want a Marijuana Dispensary in Town?

OMG, as if we didn't already have dozens if not hundreds of them!

People have been conditioned to believe alcohol is safer than cannabis....thats why its easier for people to ignore the death and destruction brought on by alcohol use....and pounce on any lie misleading statement outdated study with seriously flawed methodology and use it as fact.....

Id rather full legalization and cannabis stores than package stores......

We learned during 18th amendment that legal alcohol is safer than illegal alcohol.
When was cannabis illegal, 1937? What have we learned since then?

Why not just sell it through liquor stores??

Looks like a lot of local towns are gearing up to block marijuana dispensaries...

http://www.massrealestatelawblog.com/2012/11/11/massachusetts-municipalities-and-residents-gearing-up-for-battle-over-medical-marijuana-dispensaries/

I think they should be dispensing it in Lexington.

Does your town have a liquor store? Consider the amount of underage drinking and DUI offenses and then compare these awful outcomes to the positive impact for people who need medically prescribed marijuana, emphasis on the word 'prescribed'. Vicodin and OxyContin are prescribed in our local pharmacies, so why not marijuana? Liquor stores have licenses and rules to follow, why not marijuana dispensaries?

Everyone should of watched this before voting:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rWSHFZmm8Eg

Zoning: Marijuana “treatment centers” and grow operations could be allowed anywhere in a city or town, including areas located next to schools, churches, playgrounds, hospitals, athletic fields, parks, etc. Treatment centers are nothing more than pot stores – they sell all strands of raw pot and “medibles” – candy, cookies, fudge, ice cream, gelato, pastes, you name it – all and any foods can be infused with marijuana. In California, they called them treatment stores in the beginning, but now they’re called “clubs”. We call them pot shops – or pot stores. Anyone 21 years or older could own and operate a pot store, with no special training – not even a high school diploma. No pharmacist, doctor or medical professional would be on staff. In California and Colorado, they’ve had big employment campaigns targeting high school graduates and college age kids to work in them.

Margo, copy & pasting is spamming.
With regards to the youtube, it seems that more than 50% have disagreed with the last part of a better solution, as there is not a better solution.
You obviously do not have one of the medical conditions to get a card otherwise you would know that many times that man-made drugs are sometimes worse than the disease itself.
Marijuana is not the problem, the problem is that the politicians are wasting our tax dollars while writing the laws that have the loops holes, maybe on purpose for job security. But that's a different debate.

Everyone just needs so try it, and then decide if it’s really that bad. Maybe not make decisions without a firsthand opinion. Maybe educate them selves on why it’s even federally illegal in the first place. Take a look back into American history and you will realize how hypocritical the whole situation is.

I feel as if they made the right decision..Plenty of peoplr struggle to get their own marijuana for all types of reasons..but when you have a illness or disease that marijuana can help or treat you bet people are going to use that solution..think of it alcohol is a "addictive" drug YET how many bars/liquor stores are surrounded in woburn? Way to many.. also think of this take a look in ur medicine cabinet how many prescripted pills do u have that has 10x more harm than marijuana..plus there are to many people in prison for marijuana when we need other people that do worse crimes in jail ..people say marijuana is an addictive drug.. yet u have no clue what ur saying.. ive been smokng pot for years and i can resist not smoking..as for an example my father has hepititas C, depression,anxiety and so on.. so your telling me that my father has to take a risk of getting arrested just so he can be happy.if medical marijuana gets approved in woburn we will see an economic growth in our society due to all these dispensaries making millions of dollars

If Sudbury has liquor stores, why wouldn't we be able to have Medicinal Marijuana Dispensaries? Let's drop the government propaganda agenda and be real for a minute. Liquor is way worse than marijuana and we all know it. How often do you hear about someone getting stoned and going home to beat their wife? But if I'm being honest with myself... of course Sudbury won't have a dispensary.. why? Because this is Sudbury! The army of overprotective parents and do-gooders wouldn't allow that! There will probably be a dispensary or two in Natick or Framingham, so I'm not complaining.

I can't believe how many people have their heads in the sand. Absolutely we should allow dispensaries in Waltham. Furthermore, I am getting sick and tired of pot being illegal for no reason. Most of the people trying to suppress the legalization drink or take prescription pills of some sort. We need to stop the stupid laws that criminalize pot. We are wasting valuable money fighting something so foolish. I bet if we drug tested the waltham police force for pot they would all be in jail.

I can't believe how many people have their heads in the sand. Absolutely we should allow dispensaries in Waltham. Furthermore, I am getting sick and tired of pot being illegal for no reason. Most of the people trying to suppress the legalization drink or take prescription pills of some sort. We need to stop the stupid laws that criminalize pot. We are wasting valuable money fighting something so foolish. Who can't get pot off of the streets anyways. I bet if we drug tested the waltham police force for pot they would all be in jail. Dunkin Doughuts in Waltham would go under. What value added are we getting for our hard earned tax dollar fighting this substance?

"What difference does it make?" We need the tax revenue to support big government!