Annual renewal notices have been sent out for cards issued last May and June, and renewal applications are being sent back in. A panel of physicians, nurses, and patient advocates held meetings to consider these conditions, and have made recommendations to the State Health Officer, Dr. Grant Higginson. He will likely decide which, if any, conditions to add by the end of May. There are still some barriers to participation in the program. This presents a financial hardship to many patients who are too ill to work.
Some doctors are still reluctant to allow their patients to participate, fearing federal reprisals.
Some patients are unable to grow medical marijuana at their homes, or find a caregiver to grow for them. However, on balance, the program is working better than either the proponents, or the opponents, anticipated. The Health Division receives regular feedback from patients who tell us that the program is working well for them.