Jacob Redmond
Well-Known Member
The regulatory body for B.C. doctors is considering new medical marijuana rules that may block some younger patients from accessing the drug.
The College of Physicians and Surgeons wouldn't comment on the proposed pot policy Wednesday, but a recent memo to doctors reportedly outlined a minimum age of 25 for medical users.
Terry Roycroft of the Medicinal Cannabis Resource Centre, which helps patients navigate Health Canada's marijuana regime, said many advocates and doctors agree that would be too restrictive.
"The response from the medical community was one of surprise that they were coming down so heavy with these regulations, given that they've been prescribing medical cannabis since 2000," he said.
Roycroft said at minimum, young people with epilepsy, cancer and other serious ailments should have access to marijuana if they want it.
The College told CTV News it's in the process of revising the policy and there will be circumstances where children would be allowed to use marijuana, but it wouldn't provide further details.
"The amended standard on medical marijuana in its newly revised form will be brought to the Executive Committee this Friday for approval. If it is approved, the College will publish the standard on its website," spokeswoman Susan Prins said.
Ontario's College of Physicians and Surgeons has already ordered doctors not to prescribe dried pot to patients under 25 unless all alternative options have failed.
Its policy cites concerns that the drug can have lasting negative effects on young users.*edit*
Roycroft acknowledged there may be risks to developing brains, but said they mainly affect people who start smoking heavily in their early teens.
"Once they start getting older, we don't see that that would be much of an issue," he said.
If the B.C. college's new policy is approved, it will be uploaded to its website.
News Moderator: Jacob Redmond 420 MAGAZINE ®
Full Article: B.C. doctors mulling minimum age for medical pot | CTV Vancouver News
Author: Web Staff
Contact: CTV News | Contact CTV News
Photo Credit: None Found
Website: CTV Vancouver News - Local Breaking News | Weather & Traffic
The College of Physicians and Surgeons wouldn't comment on the proposed pot policy Wednesday, but a recent memo to doctors reportedly outlined a minimum age of 25 for medical users.
Terry Roycroft of the Medicinal Cannabis Resource Centre, which helps patients navigate Health Canada's marijuana regime, said many advocates and doctors agree that would be too restrictive.
"The response from the medical community was one of surprise that they were coming down so heavy with these regulations, given that they've been prescribing medical cannabis since 2000," he said.
Roycroft said at minimum, young people with epilepsy, cancer and other serious ailments should have access to marijuana if they want it.
The College told CTV News it's in the process of revising the policy and there will be circumstances where children would be allowed to use marijuana, but it wouldn't provide further details.
"The amended standard on medical marijuana in its newly revised form will be brought to the Executive Committee this Friday for approval. If it is approved, the College will publish the standard on its website," spokeswoman Susan Prins said.
Ontario's College of Physicians and Surgeons has already ordered doctors not to prescribe dried pot to patients under 25 unless all alternative options have failed.
Its policy cites concerns that the drug can have lasting negative effects on young users.*edit*
Roycroft acknowledged there may be risks to developing brains, but said they mainly affect people who start smoking heavily in their early teens.
"Once they start getting older, we don't see that that would be much of an issue," he said.
If the B.C. college's new policy is approved, it will be uploaded to its website.
News Moderator: Jacob Redmond 420 MAGAZINE ®
Full Article: B.C. doctors mulling minimum age for medical pot | CTV Vancouver News
Author: Web Staff
Contact: CTV News | Contact CTV News
Photo Credit: None Found
Website: CTV Vancouver News - Local Breaking News | Weather & Traffic
