The first specialty clinic for medical marijuana opened in Annapolis in June and has seen more than 100 prospective patients -- even though the Maryland Medical Cannabis Program isn't expected to be operational for another year.

Greenway Consultation, located in the Conte Lubrano Office Building, has three consultants and three physicians, who are not yet registered to recommend the drug through the Maryland Medical Cannibis Commission. The commission develops and oversees all licensing, registration, inspection and testing.

The clinic's spokesman Nick Petrucci said opening in advance of the program has advantages, such as beginning to build the patient-doctor relationship to expedite a recommendation for marijuana when the program begins.

The commission requires physicians to examine the patient, review and maintain medical records, assess his or her medical history and provide follow-up care, as needed.

Cannabis program regulations were to be under public comment until July 27 and the commission expects...