(Washington DC) Mayor Adrian M. Fenty today introduced proposed regulations for the implementation of the Legalization of Marijuana for Medical Treatment Amendment Act of 2010. The Act gives the Mayor the power to regulate the cultivation, possession, distribution and use of medical marijuana.

The DC Council unanimously passed the bill on April 20, 2010 and it was signed by Mayor Fenty on May 10, 2010. After the allotted 30 days granted to Congress to review the bill, it became effective on July 27, 2010. The new regulations will now undergo a 45-day public comment and Council approval period.

“All District residents deserve access to the full slate of medical treatments available,” said Mayor Fenty. “My Administration will work to ensure that medical marijuana is dispensed safely and efficiently.”

The bill allows physicians licensed by the District to recommend medical marijuana to residents with qualifying medical conditions or who are undergoing qualifying medical treatment. A physician may recommend medical marijuana for the following medical conditions: HIV/AIDS, glaucoma, conditions characterized by severe and persistent muscle spasms, cancer or any condition that cannot be effectively treated by ordinary measures. Physicians may also recommend medical marijuana to mitigate the side effects of some medical treatments.

The Department of Health (DOH), the Alcoholic Beverage Regulation Administration (ABRA) and the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) are primarily responsible for regulating the use of medical marijuana in the District.

The Administration’s proposed regulations are attached and are published in the DC Register: dcregs.dc.gov.