Marijuana applications delayed

Friday, Oct. 5, 2001 | 10:14 a.m.

SUN CAPITAL BUREAU

CARSON CITY -- Four days after the medical marijuana law went into effect, the state has received only one completed application.

Officials are blaming the mail system for the sluggish start.

The law became effective Monday, and the background of the only person who has officially applied is being checked to determine whether he or she has ever been convicted of felony drug sales.

Cecile Crofoot, administrator of the program for the state Department of Agriculture, won't reveal the name of the individual or where he or she is from. But Crofoot said the person has submitted the application, complete with a doctor's recommendation and a fingerprint card from a local police agency.

If the individual clears the background check, Crofoot will send the applicant the documents that go the state Department of Motor Vehicles, which will issue the marijuana card.

The agriculture department began sending out applications on Sept. 24. Crofoot said they were processed through the state system and were handled as third class mail. She has received several calls from individuals who have not received their applications.

So now, she said, she is sending the applications by first class mail to ensure an earlier delivery.