The bill amends Section 21-28.6-12 of "The Edward O. Hawkins and Thomas C. Slater Medical Marijuana Act," specifically addressing the payment structure for compassion center fees. It establishes that the $500,000 fee for compassion centers will be payable in quarterly installments. This change applies to both new applications and renewals of compassion center licenses.

The bill does not alter the existing provisions regarding the licensing and operation of compassion centers, which include the ability to acquire, possess, cultivate, manufacture, and dispense medical marijuana to registered patients and caregivers. The Department of Health remains responsible for creating regulations for the licensing process.

Additionally, the bill maintains the current licensing process, which has been under the Department of Health, and does not change the expiration and renewal terms for licenses. Licenses issued before January 1, 2017, will continue to expire two years after issuance, while those issued on or after that date will expire one year after issuance.

The act includes provisions for inspections, operational requirements, and penalties for non-compliance, ensuring that compassion centers operate on a not-for-profit basis and adhere to regulations regarding security and product safety. The act is set to take effect immediately upon passage.

Statutes affected:
8426: 21-28.6-12