{"componentChunkName":"component---common-build-tags-template-js","path":"/tag/regulations/","result":{"data":{"allArticle":{"edges":[{"node":{"id":"Article_2107-markdown","title":"Delays for Recreational Marijuana Rollout in California","slug":"delays-for-recreational-marijuana-rollout-in-california","content":"### Recreational Rollout Unlikely for 2018\n\nCalifornia recently passed a bill allowing for [recreational marijuana in the state](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/57cf68b372d0670007e32abf/california-marijuana-legalization-prop-64), which is set to roll out at the beginning in 2018. $10 million have been earmarked by Governor Jerry Brown to assist with the rollout that is expected to generate $1.5 billion for the state. Many people, however, are doubting that California can get its recreational market up and running by the targeted roll out date. The plan is for California departments and legislature to create the structure and institutions to sustain the market during 2017, allowing for licenses to be handed out to dispensaries and growers at the beginning of 2018. \n\nFOLLOW US ON [FACEBOOK](https://www.facebook.com/pg/hellomdcompany/posts/) & [INSTAGRAM](https://www.instagram.com/hellomd_com/?hl=en)\n\nThe roll out is a multifaceted process that involves the creation and restructuring of multiple state institutions. Though the state has every intention of meeting their projected deadline, they have a few lofty goals that may prolong it. It takes a long time to draft formal regulations, which need to be set up in order to monitor the creation of businesses and other issues like law enforcement. \n\n### New Regulations Take Time\n\nThe Department of Food and Agriculture must create new grow regulations for the product that has been produced in the state for over 20 years without formal regulation, due to its national status as a Schedule I substance. The Department of Public Health must create new regulations governing the manufacturing of products such as edibles and tinctures and the Bureau of Medical Cannabis regulation must also widen its scope to create new standards for lab testing of recreational retail products to be sure they are meeting certain safety standards. \n\nRELATED: [CANNABIS A SAFER OPTION FOR MANAGING PAIN](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/55c91db33934390006220000/cannabis-may-be-safer-than-opioids-for-managing-pain)\n\nThough a lot of work has already been done in these areas, it is still not likely that all of the bureaucratic processes will be completed fast enough for a 2018 roll out. Some of the most probable road blocks are the creation of new platforms that involve the production of new technology. The new multilevel tax structure written into the bill needs to be formally created, as well as technological ‘track and trace’ platforms that allow the plant to be tracked from seed to selling. The ambitious desire of California to create these platforms from scratch, when they are already operational in other states with legalized recreational cannabis, is something that could cause a large delay. \n\n### Looking Towards 2019 for Rollout\n\nNot only does the California government have to formalize regulations for this whole process, but 58 counties and 482 cities have to draft their own regulations as well. All of these issues have left some people concerned that California may not have an operational recreational marijuana industry until 2019. Until the point when the state has all of their recreational marijuana programs up and running, all people are still required to have a medical marijuana card to access cannabis. It is important that no patients rely on any specific roll-out date, but instead still possess a medical card to be able to access their medication. \n\nIf you are new to cannabis and want to learn more, take a look at our [Cannabis 101](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/56201c206430320006bb0000/cannabis-101-your-quick-guide-to-medical-marijuana) post. [HelloMD](https://www.hellomd.com/) can help you get your medical marijuana recommendation; it's 100% online, private and efficient.","image":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"base64":"data:image/png;base64,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","aspectRatio":1.5037593984962405,"src":"/static/ab2ea62d6d9bd6b22aeb27dd08fb2241/ee604/64294e3e0b089191bcf829814c58f5c4.png","srcSet":"/static/ab2ea62d6d9bd6b22aeb27dd08fb2241/69585/64294e3e0b089191bcf829814c58f5c4.png 200w,\n/static/ab2ea62d6d9bd6b22aeb27dd08fb2241/497c6/64294e3e0b089191bcf829814c58f5c4.png 400w,\n/static/ab2ea62d6d9bd6b22aeb27dd08fb2241/ee604/64294e3e0b089191bcf829814c58f5c4.png 800w,\n/static/ab2ea62d6d9bd6b22aeb27dd08fb2241/f3583/64294e3e0b089191bcf829814c58f5c4.png 1200w,\n/static/ab2ea62d6d9bd6b22aeb27dd08fb2241/8259f/64294e3e0b089191bcf829814c58f5c4.png 1296w","srcWebp":"/static/ab2ea62d6d9bd6b22aeb27dd08fb2241/58556/64294e3e0b089191bcf829814c58f5c4.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/ab2ea62d6d9bd6b22aeb27dd08fb2241/61e93/64294e3e0b089191bcf829814c58f5c4.webp 200w,\n/static/ab2ea62d6d9bd6b22aeb27dd08fb2241/1f5c5/64294e3e0b089191bcf829814c58f5c4.webp 400w,\n/static/ab2ea62d6d9bd6b22aeb27dd08fb2241/58556/64294e3e0b089191bcf829814c58f5c4.webp 800w,\n/static/ab2ea62d6d9bd6b22aeb27dd08fb2241/99238/64294e3e0b089191bcf829814c58f5c4.webp 1200w,\n/static/ab2ea62d6d9bd6b22aeb27dd08fb2241/b8788/64294e3e0b089191bcf829814c58f5c4.webp 1296w","sizes":"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px"}}}}},{"node":{"id":"Article_2175-markdown","title":"Problems with California’s Medical Marijuana Regulations","slug":"problems-with-californias-medical-marijuana-regulations","content":"### MMRSA - It Has Issues\r\n\r\nThe Medical Marijuana Regulation and Safety Act (MMRSA) was the much needed update to medical marijuana policy in the state of California. MMRSA puts new regulations of the sizes of plots, pesticide standards, organic status availability, and quality assurance standards. MMRSA also provides the frame work for different types of licenses related to marijuana growth and manufacturing, as well as the allowance for for-profit marijuana production. Another major aspect of MMRSA is the implementation of a taxation system that would bring in local and state tax revenue from the medical marijuana industry. Individual cities also were required to submit ordinances by March 1st if they wanted to set restrictions and maintain control over medical marijuana regulation in their borders. \r\n\r\nThe major problem with MMRSA, however, is a dramatic increase in the cost of cannabis and manufactured products that contain marijuana. The act outlines a new mandatory distribution level that will add extra steps, and cost, to the production of all different kinds of marijuana products. The new required distributers will be the middle men between each step in the process as a form of external management, essentially doubling the amount of steps needed to get marijuana products to market. Distributers are projected to ask for about 15-35% of the value of the cannabis product as a fee for each management step. The cost of distributers fees, in addition to the cost of the added steps, is going to lead to a dramatic mark up on the cost of cannabis products. \r\n\r\n### Skyrocketing Cost of Marijuana\r\n\r\nThe skyrocketing price of marijuana production will only be exacerbated by an extra 15% tax mark up. The exorbitant prices will put a great strain on the patients that use marijuana as medicine everyday and could also bar people from seeking out marijuana for treatment. The added steps can also add time to marijuana processing, creating situations where people may not get the medication they need in a timely manner. Another potential issue is the room for the illegal marketplace to grow under the stress of the overpriced legal market. \r\n\r\nThis could be potentially detrimental to the many patients that benefit from medical marijuana everyday and the industry as a whole. Its not too late, however, to work to fix this problem. If you’re a California resident you can contact your local representative by following these steps:\r\nGo to this [CA government website](http://findyourrep.legislature.ca.gov/) to find your local representative & reach out to your local representatives by email, phone, or an in person meeting to voice your concerns about the mandatory distribution step outlined in MMRSA. \r\n\r\nInterested in asking a question about this article? Go to [HelloMD Answers](https://www.hellomd.com/answers) and ask one of our doctors and community. \r\n\r\nIf you are new to cannabis and want to learn more, take a look at our [Cannabis 101](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/cannabis-101-your-quick-guide-to-medical-marijuana) post. [HelloMD](https://www.hellomd.com/) can help you get your medical marijuana recommendation; it's 100% online, private and efficient.\r\n\r\n[Photo Credit](https://www.flickr.com/photos/47148237@N06/14669459877/in/photolist-omhPm2-dKkUmw-jPvVXv-oPjAyR-e8WfNC-8tAE2V-7nbVUm-7MzmN1-yDGpZ-cXN5MQ-pdtSbN-dJ3779-jRpm4h-pfvMA8-8NZJHH-pftMx3-ab3Ma8-qzfUbY-osVoFw-oprmjn-os8FtU-7pxZhL-hG5fSV-cJ673U-7pxZky-ptDMWD-nVBGrW-5XuyUi-9DG3AD-pNx6qm-6PbdHi-vqpcC-3QrJJF-5XyDZf-jRnQ9P-8Qbyp3-7pxZeh-vDpqN-4vxRpC-bWuXnX-oki2x-rgpD18-6L2ztT-qojJRi-amrhMe-5rHgnb-hXMZLt-nzgy1x-rv2yck-oc5nDY)\r\n","image":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"base64":"data:image/jpeg;base64,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","aspectRatio":1.3333333333333333,"src":"/static/84d4d45bd94fc8f7b43692460f3ab79d/14b42/6e87837b714c2c613fd243b493f05c56.jpg","srcSet":"/static/84d4d45bd94fc8f7b43692460f3ab79d/f836f/6e87837b714c2c613fd243b493f05c56.jpg 200w,\n/static/84d4d45bd94fc8f7b43692460f3ab79d/2244e/6e87837b714c2c613fd243b493f05c56.jpg 400w,\n/static/84d4d45bd94fc8f7b43692460f3ab79d/14b42/6e87837b714c2c613fd243b493f05c56.jpg 800w,\n/static/84d4d45bd94fc8f7b43692460f3ab79d/47498/6e87837b714c2c613fd243b493f05c56.jpg 1200w,\n/static/84d4d45bd94fc8f7b43692460f3ab79d/54ac5/6e87837b714c2c613fd243b493f05c56.jpg 1365w","srcWebp":"/static/84d4d45bd94fc8f7b43692460f3ab79d/58556/6e87837b714c2c613fd243b493f05c56.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/84d4d45bd94fc8f7b43692460f3ab79d/61e93/6e87837b714c2c613fd243b493f05c56.webp 200w,\n/static/84d4d45bd94fc8f7b43692460f3ab79d/1f5c5/6e87837b714c2c613fd243b493f05c56.webp 400w,\n/static/84d4d45bd94fc8f7b43692460f3ab79d/58556/6e87837b714c2c613fd243b493f05c56.webp 800w,\n/static/84d4d45bd94fc8f7b43692460f3ab79d/99238/6e87837b714c2c613fd243b493f05c56.webp 1200w,\n/static/84d4d45bd94fc8f7b43692460f3ab79d/5e0b8/6e87837b714c2c613fd243b493f05c56.webp 1365w","sizes":"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px"}}}}}]}},"pageContext":{"limit":12,"skip":0,"numPages":1,"currentPage":1,"id":5687,"name":"Regulations","slug":"regulations","country":"US"}},"staticQueryHashes":["3949754563","4179947113","4202924991"]}