Training Requirements for a Medical Marijuana Dispensary License

 Posted on June 09, 2023 in Medical License Defense

Since the legalization of marijuana in Illinois, numerous businesses have opened that are involved in the cultivation, distribution, and sale of cannabis products, including medical marijuana. While this has created opportunities for many business owners, the new laws also involve a number of strict requirements that must be followed. One issue that owners of medical marijuana dispensaries may encounter involves the requirements for providing training for employees, managers, and agents of an organization. Proper training is not only essential for meeting licensing requirements, but it also plays a crucial role in maintaining a safe and responsible business. Dispensary owners will need to understand the requirements of Responsible Vendor Program training for employees, as well as the additional training requirements that will apply for Principal Officers and agents.

Responsible Vendor Program Training for Employees

The Responsible Vendor Program (RVP) is meant to ensure that all employees understand their roles and responsibilities concerning the sale and use of medical marijuana. This training must be provided to all employees who have direct involvement with the handling or dispensing of medical cannabis products. Two hours of instruction must be provided on an annual basis, and it must cover the following topics:

• Health and safety issues related to cannabis - Training should detail the physical and mental effects of cannabis use. Trainees should be able to recognize the signs of impairment by marijuana users, and they should understand how to respond in situations involving overconsumption of cannabis.

• Laws related to driving under the influence of marijuana - Illinois law treats marijuana use similar to alcohol use, and drivers who are considered to be intoxicated due to the use of marijuana could face DUI charges. Trainees should understand when a person may be considered to be unable to drive safely after using marijuana and the consequences of a conviction for marijuana-related DUI offenses.

• Prohibitions on sales to minors - Employees will need to understand the restrictions that apply to selling marijuana to people under the age of 21, including when minors may be able to purchase medical cannabis after receiving a prescription.

• Laws and rules related to marijuana - Trainees should understand state laws regarding the cultivation, distribution, and sale of cannabis and cannabis products, as well as any applicable local ordinances. Training may also summarize taxation laws and other regulations related to medical cannabis.

• Checking identification - Employees must be trained on the forms of identification that may be accepted from people purchasing marijuana, how to verify the validity of identification, and how to avoid mistakes and prevent the illegal sale of marijuana to minors or others.

• Storage and security requirements - Trainees must be able to understand how marijuana and related products can be stored safely. They should also be aware of the proper security measures that must be followed at a facility, including surveillance requirements.

• Inventory and records - Employees should understand the regulations that must be followed when tracking inventory and maintaining records related to the supply chain, customers, or other important information. They will also need to be aware of the procedures that should be followed to protect the privacy of customers or medical marijuana patients.

• Cleaning and disposal - Training should address the safe disposal of waste and the proper procedures for cleaning and sanitation of facilities.

• Health and safety standards - Employees should understand how to handle marijuana products safely and how to ensure that a dispensary meets all other safety regulations.

• Inspections - Trainees should be aware of when they may be required to permit inspections by state and local government personnel.

• Packaging and labeling - Employees will need to understand the specific requirements that must be followed to ensure that cannabis products are labeled correctly, provide required warnings and nutrition information, and can be tracked and sold properly.

Training Requirements for Principal Officers and Agents

Principal Officers, managers, and other employees classified as agents of a dispensary will need to receive additional training. This training is meant to ensure that they can use point-of-sale and ID verification systems, track and handle inventory correctly, and be prepared for inspections by licensing authorities. A minimum of eight hours of training must be provided on an annual basis, and this training can include instruction provided under the Responsible Vendor Program.

Contact Our Illinois Medical Marijuana Licensing Lawyer

By understanding the training requirements that apply to medical marijuana dispensaries, owners and other stakeholders can make sure they are in compliance with state licensing laws. At The Law Offices of Joseph J. Bogdan, Inc., our Illinois marijuana business licensing attorney can provide guidance on how to meet training requirements or how to address potential violations that could affect a dispensary's license. To set up a free consultation and receive assistance with licensing issues, contact our firm at 630-310-1267.

Sources:

https://www.ilga.gov/legislation/ilcs/fulltext.asp?DocName=041007050K15-40

https://www.ilga.gov/legislation/ilcs/ilcs4.asp?DocName=041007050HArt%2E+15&ActID=3992&ChapterID=35&SeqStart=3200000&SeqEnd=6900000