Only 59 Patients Have Enrolled in DC Medical Marijuana Dispensaries

Below estimates, owners and customers of dispensaries say policies are not helping

Washington, D.C.'s medical marijuana program has enrolled just 59 patients since the first city dispensary opened for business in July — far below estimates for participation.

Operators of cultivation centers and dispensaries and their potential customers told the D.C. Council on Monday that the city's strict policies have stifled the program's growth by severely limiting who is eligible to receive medical marijuana. They also said patients and doctors remain fearful of breaking federal law by participating.