Four medical marijuana dispensaries in Washington D.C. have gained approval from the health department in the next step in the process of setting up shop in our nation’s capital.

The four dispensaries had previously advanced through other aspects of the district’s approval process. They are now eligible to apply for business licenses, building permits and certificates of occupancy. Once those steps and other regulatory requirements are met, they will receive their registrations.

It’s still not clear when medical marijuana will become available in the nation’s capital. The Washington Post reports that the six cultivation centers approved for registration haven’t begun growing the plant.

The D.C. Council legalized medical marijuana in 2010. Councilmember David Catania says Tuesday’s action by the health department is “another milestone on the path to making medical marijuana available” for those who need it.

Medical marijuana dispensaries in the shadow of the very government that denies marijuana has any medical value. The ironies abound.

More importantly, some patients in D.C. will be able to find relief that doesn’t involve deadly and addictive prescription medications or black market drug deals.

- Joe Klare