(b) An applicant that has already been issued a grower/processor permit or a dispensary permit by the Department under sections 601—616 of the act (35 P.S. § § 10231.601—10231.616) who wishes to become an approved clinical registrant shall:

1. (1) Submit a request to the Department under § 1211a.28 (relating to request for conversion of an existing permit) with the application for approval of a clinical registrant.
2. (2) Not be required to apply for, or be eligible to receive, an additional grower/processor permit or dispensary permit under the act, this chapter, Chapter 1141a, Chapter 1151a or Chapter 1161a (relating to general provisions; growers/processors; and dispensaries), as applicable.

(d) An approved clinical registrant may not dispense or offer to dispense, as a clinical registrant, any medical marijuana products at the clinical registrant dispensary location until:

1. (1) The clinical registrant’s grower/processor and dispensary facilities have been inspected and deemed operational by the Department.
2. (2) The approved clinical registrant demonstrates to the satisfaction of the Department that it will be able to begin an approved research program or research study within 6 months following the date the Department determines the approved clinical registrant’s dispensary to be operational.