WEST HAVEN, Conn. (AP) — Connecticut officials have selected the first producers of medical marijuana, saying the move will benefit seriously ill patients while safeguards will prevent abuses.
Gov. Dannel P. Malloy and other officials announced the selection Tuesday of four producers who will operate facilities in West Haven, Portland, Simsbury and Watertown.
Officials say licenses to dispense medical marijuana are expected to be awarded in the next two months and the drug should be available in the summer to qualified patients.
The law was passed in 2012 and allows the use of marijuana for patients suffering from one of 11 specific debilitating illnesses whose doctors believe the treatment is appropriate.
Malloy says such patients deserve compassion and understanding, not criminal prosecution.
Officials say 1,684 patients have been certified to participate in the program.
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