Did the title of this blog cause you concern? It should…The caregiver – patient system still exists for now. But what the future holds remains to be seen.
The phase out process announced by the MRA in March 2020 for caregiver product ends on September 30, 2020. A licensee who accepts an external transfer after September 30, 2020 will be subject to disciplinary action by the MRA and possibly the law.
Thank You For Your Service – Now Go Away
More than likely The State of Michigan and the licensed market thanks you for your service to allow them to get their shit together only to soon cast you off into the grayness once again.
Many caregivers that came before you during the MMMA dark ages (not long ago) were arrested under the public health code laws and charged with CCE, conspiracy, maintaining drug house, distribution, possession and whatever else they could throw on.
You lucky few that had that short window… you were in the right place at the right time… and in life’s journey that matters – a lot. Some still reside in prison while others wander aimlessly in limbo out in the world with a criminal record that keeps them from moving on.
Promises of expungement, new beginnings, social equity, balance and harmony. Sounds great but it has that distinctive scent of bullshit.
The War On Drugs Is Not Over
The war on drugs is not over… small skirmishes of civil war will erupt with pay offs, take overs, winners and losers. Now one must pay homage to the largest most powerful criminal organization in the world. They are now the kingpins in control. Guess who that is.
There will be more arrests and victims of the justice business system. There will still be forfeiture, there will be corruption (like always), there will still be nepotism, there will still be lobbying to remove the competition because if you can’t beat them…take it over.
What’s Next for the Patient – Caregiver System? Extinction?
Join The Michigan Caregiver – Patient Coalition and be on the list to be notified when bad things happen.
MARIJUANA REGULATORY AGENCY RELEASE – MARCH 2020
March 2, 2020 – Today, the Marijuana Regulatory Agency (MRA) announced a phase-out process for the transfer of marijuana and marijuana products into the regulated market from caregivers. The phase-out process begins immediately and ends on September 30, 2020 with a final termination of all external marijuana transfers.
During the ongoing transition to a regulated market, the MRA has been committed to maintaining patient access to medical marijuana by allowing certain licensed facilities to continue to source product from caregivers without it resulting in disciplinary action against their licenses. Now, nearly 200 grower licenses and more than 25 processor licenses have been issued in the medical marijuana market. As more licenses have been issued and more plants grown and processed, the marijuana product produced by licensed facilities has resulted in an increase in the supply of medical marijuana to patients.
“We have always put patients first when we make decisions regarding medical marijuana,” said MRA Executive Director Andrew Brisbo. “This phase out process is an important next step in implementing the will of Michigan voters and making sure that patients continue to have access to their medicine.”
Licensed businesses will have nearly seven months to make the necessary plans to continue to maintain a sufficient supply of medical marijuana in Michigan. During this time, the MRA will work closely with licensees to build relationships and provide outreach and assistance during this transition period.
Phase One – Growers and Processors
The MRA gave notice in December, that – beginning on March 1, 2020 – growers and processors who obtain marijuana plants, concentrates, vape cartridges, or infused products from caregivers would be subject to disciplinary action.
Phase One of the phase-out process begins immediately and runs through May 31, 2020. During phase one, growers and processors licensed under the MMFLA who obtain marijuana flower – defined as bud, shake, and trim only – directly from a caregiver who produced the flower will not be subject to disciplinary action by the MRA under certain conditions.
Phase Two – Growers
Phase two begins on June 1, 2020 and ends on September 30, 2020. During phase two, growers licensed under the MMFLA who obtain marijuana flower – defined as bud, shake, and trim only – directly from a caregiver who produced the flower will not be subject to disciplinary action by the MRA under certain conditions.
During phase two, the total weight of marijuana flower that growers obtain from caregivers must be less than or equal to the total weight of marijuana flower that the licensee harvested (both wet and dry) between March 1, 2020 and May 31, 2020 plus the projected harvest weight (dry) of all plants that are in the flowering process on May 31, 2020.
Phase Two – Processors
Phase two begins on June 1, 2020 and ends on September 30, 2020. During phase two, processors licensed under the MMFLA who obtain marijuana flower – defined as bud, shake, and trim only – directly from a caregiver who produced the flower will not be subject to disciplinary action by the MRA under certain conditions.
During phase two, the total weight of marijuana flower that processors obtain from caregivers must be less than or equal to 50% of the total weight of marijuana flower the licensee obtained from caregivers between the dates of March 1, 2020 and May 31, 2020. The marijuana flower obtained from caregivers must be processed and may not be sold or transferred as marijuana flower.
End of Phase Out Process
The phase out process for caregiver product ends on September 30, 2020. A licensee who accepts an external transfer after September 30, 2020 will be subject to disciplinary action by the MRA.
