Websites Promise to Connect Mass. Patients With Pot Docs

Massachusetts is slowly working through applications for medical marijuana dispensaries, but some websites aren't waiting for final regulations. Several websites now promise to connect Massachusetts patients with doctors who fill pot prescriptions.

The surge of online entrepreneurs has some medical groups worried about safety, according to the Boston Globe. The Massachusetts Medical Society told the Globe that many of these sites are skirting rules about being associated with real physicians. One site owner interviewed by the Globe said he charged $250 for the service, but most of that money goes to the referring physician. 

The brick and mortar dispensaries won't start operating until next spring, once the state promulgates regulations and approves 35 applicants from the current pool of 158 applicants.

In Peabody, the city still has a zoning ban in place on any marijuana facilities, but will likely address that if and when legal pressure comes into play. The Attorney General's office has told towns they cannot enact total bans, but could use moratoriums until state regulations and local guidelines were developed.

Mayor Ted Bettencourt called for the outright ban, which the City Council supported, but also noted it could be tweaked as necessary if legally challenged.