Katelyn Baker
Well-Known Member
Newark - Don't expect doctors at Licking Memorial Hospital to start recommending medical marijuana when it becomes legal later this year.
A state law legalizing medical marijuana will take effect early September, but patients won't be able to purchase medical marijuana in Ohio for several more months. Agencies such as the Ohio Pharmacy Board, Ohio State Medical Board and Ohio Department of Commerce must create rules on how to grow, sell and purchase medical marijuana.
Licking Memorial Health Systems issued this statement on its policy regarding medical marijuana: "During the past month since Ohio became the 25th state to legalize a comprehensive medical marijuana program, Licking Memorial Health Systems has been discussing aspects of the bill to determine legal and medical policies. Health Systems leadership is awaiting upcoming regulations to be published by state lawmakers over the next two years, prior to finalizing policy specifics."
In the meantime, lawmakers provided an affirmative defense for patients who are recommended medical marijuana by their Ohio physicians then purchase it in another state where medical marijuana is legal, such as Michigan. The law doesn't require physicians to recommend medical marijuana, so some patients and advocates worry that there won't be enough doctors suggesting the treatment.
"If the health care community does not support Ohio's medical cannabis program, Ohio may end up in a scenario similar to the state of New York, where, despite good intentions, few patients will be able to participate in the program," said Brad White with United Ohio, a medical marijuana advocacy group.
News Moderator: Katelyn Baker 420 MAGAZINE ®
Full Article: Licking Memorial Unsure About Medical Marijuana Policy
Author: Jessie Balmert
Contact: 740-345-4053
Photo Credit: None Found
Website: Newark Advocate
A state law legalizing medical marijuana will take effect early September, but patients won't be able to purchase medical marijuana in Ohio for several more months. Agencies such as the Ohio Pharmacy Board, Ohio State Medical Board and Ohio Department of Commerce must create rules on how to grow, sell and purchase medical marijuana.
Licking Memorial Health Systems issued this statement on its policy regarding medical marijuana: "During the past month since Ohio became the 25th state to legalize a comprehensive medical marijuana program, Licking Memorial Health Systems has been discussing aspects of the bill to determine legal and medical policies. Health Systems leadership is awaiting upcoming regulations to be published by state lawmakers over the next two years, prior to finalizing policy specifics."
In the meantime, lawmakers provided an affirmative defense for patients who are recommended medical marijuana by their Ohio physicians then purchase it in another state where medical marijuana is legal, such as Michigan. The law doesn't require physicians to recommend medical marijuana, so some patients and advocates worry that there won't be enough doctors suggesting the treatment.
"If the health care community does not support Ohio's medical cannabis program, Ohio may end up in a scenario similar to the state of New York, where, despite good intentions, few patients will be able to participate in the program," said Brad White with United Ohio, a medical marijuana advocacy group.
News Moderator: Katelyn Baker 420 MAGAZINE ®
Full Article: Licking Memorial Unsure About Medical Marijuana Policy
Author: Jessie Balmert
Contact: 740-345-4053
Photo Credit: None Found
Website: Newark Advocate
