Robert Celt
New Member
What will Pennsylvania's new medical marijuana law, signed by the governor over the weekend, mean for doctors and patients in our area?
Curiosity and caution were the reactions to the new law at The Commonwealth Medical College in Scranton.
There were cheers of celebration at the capitol Sunday as Governor Wolf signed the law that will make medical marijuana legal in Pennsylvania.
While patients and advocates are overjoyed the substance can now be legally prescribed by doctors, medical students and administrators at The Commonwealth Medical College in Scranton are still getting used to the idea.
The dean believes doctors are cautious about medical marijuana because it has not been tested in the same way as other drugs.
"There certainly is enough anecdotal evidence in a number of studies that demonstrate its value, and I think the governor and legislature have moved forward in a wise fashion," said Dr. Steven Scheinman, TCMC dean.
Dr. Scheinman points to evidence that in states where medical marijuana is legal, fewer people die of opiate overdoses.
"Misuse of opioids is an epidemic. It's not overstating it to call it a crisis. This can be something that helps address that problem."
With the law so new, students and administrators at The Commonwealth Medical College are still trying to figure out how medical marijuana could fit into the curriculum.
"I am a little trepidatious," said medical student Alex Bruscke. "I think research is really important so that we still have the same quality of evidence for the medications that we prescribe."
Jordan Chu hopes to specialize in pediatrics and says the new law shows times are changing.
"I definitely saw it as something that was on its way," said Chu. "I was actually up late studying last night -- I was on ABC News or something -- and I saw, I was like, 'Oh wow, it's about time.'"
Eventually there are expected to be 150 medical marijuana dispensaries in Pennsylvania, but it will be a year and a half to two years before they open.
News Moderator: Robert Celt 420 MAGAZINE ®
Full Article: PA: Health Care Providers Curious, Cautious About Medical Marijuana
Author: Suzanne Goldklang
Photo Credit: Gosia Wozniacka
Website: WNEP
Curiosity and caution were the reactions to the new law at The Commonwealth Medical College in Scranton.
There were cheers of celebration at the capitol Sunday as Governor Wolf signed the law that will make medical marijuana legal in Pennsylvania.
While patients and advocates are overjoyed the substance can now be legally prescribed by doctors, medical students and administrators at The Commonwealth Medical College in Scranton are still getting used to the idea.
The dean believes doctors are cautious about medical marijuana because it has not been tested in the same way as other drugs.
"There certainly is enough anecdotal evidence in a number of studies that demonstrate its value, and I think the governor and legislature have moved forward in a wise fashion," said Dr. Steven Scheinman, TCMC dean.
Dr. Scheinman points to evidence that in states where medical marijuana is legal, fewer people die of opiate overdoses.
"Misuse of opioids is an epidemic. It's not overstating it to call it a crisis. This can be something that helps address that problem."
With the law so new, students and administrators at The Commonwealth Medical College are still trying to figure out how medical marijuana could fit into the curriculum.
"I am a little trepidatious," said medical student Alex Bruscke. "I think research is really important so that we still have the same quality of evidence for the medications that we prescribe."
Jordan Chu hopes to specialize in pediatrics and says the new law shows times are changing.
"I definitely saw it as something that was on its way," said Chu. "I was actually up late studying last night -- I was on ABC News or something -- and I saw, I was like, 'Oh wow, it's about time.'"
Eventually there are expected to be 150 medical marijuana dispensaries in Pennsylvania, but it will be a year and a half to two years before they open.
News Moderator: Robert Celt 420 MAGAZINE ®
Full Article: PA: Health Care Providers Curious, Cautious About Medical Marijuana
Author: Suzanne Goldklang
Photo Credit: Gosia Wozniacka
Website: WNEP