Jacob Redmond
Well-Known Member
Registration begins Monday for those looking to become medical marijuana patients in Minnesota. Though the medicine won't be legally available via state-sanctioned dispensaries until July, the state is now accepting applications from patients.
These applications must include approval from a physician to certify that a patient has one of nine qualifying conditions:
The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration classifies marijuana as a Schedule I controlled substance, meaning it's treated as a substance with a high potential for abuse, with no currently accepted medical use.
This contradicts the law in 23 states plus the District of Columbia, which have authorized marijuana use at the state level. Though the Department of Justice under Obama has backed off enforcement, both the Clinton and George W. Bush administrations have prosecuted certain individuals federally, though they were in compliance with state law. Any future presidential administration would also have authority to change the current administration's stance.
Doctors and hospitals are reacting accordingly, and are unsure how to proceed. For instance, the Associated Press reports St. Paul resident Sarah Wellington, who had received verbal assurances from her doctor that she would be prescribed cannabis for her multiple sclerosis, had her approval revoked when the clinic backed out.
Under the terms of Minnesota law, hospitals will be allowed though not required, to dispense smoke-free marijuana in pill, oil or tinctures form. It's unclear what role, if any, Mayo Clinic will play in the distribution of medical marijuana. In a statement to KTTC, Mayo Clinic said, "Participation in the Minnesota Medical Cannabis program is voluntary for health care providers. Mayo Clinic has developed a policy and associated procedures to guide providers who choose to participate in the program."
Dr. Dave Thorson of the Minnesota Medical Association says many doctors and hospital systems are nervous about violating federal law, and that many facilities will wait to gauge the program's rollout before giving their patients the green light.
Mayo Clinic "encourage patients with questions about the program to visit the Minnesota Department of Health's Minnesota Medical Cannabis Program website." On its website, Mayo Clinic says "cannabinoids are likely safe when used for specific conditions at the recommended doses for the recommended amount of time."
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Full Article: Registration begins Monday for Minn. medical marijuana - KTTC Rochester, Austin, Mason City News, Weather and Sports
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These applications must include approval from a physician to certify that a patient has one of nine qualifying conditions:
- Cancer
- Glaucoma
- HIV/AIDS
- Tourette Syndrome
- Amyotrophic Later Sclerosis (ALS or Lou Gehrig's Disease)
- Severe/persistent muscle spasms including those characteristic of multiple sclerosis (MS).
- Seizures, including those characteristic of epilepsy.
- Crohn's Disease
- Terminal illness, with a life expectancy of less than one year, if the illness or treatment produces severe/chronic pain, nausea, cachexia, or severe vomiting.
The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration classifies marijuana as a Schedule I controlled substance, meaning it's treated as a substance with a high potential for abuse, with no currently accepted medical use.
This contradicts the law in 23 states plus the District of Columbia, which have authorized marijuana use at the state level. Though the Department of Justice under Obama has backed off enforcement, both the Clinton and George W. Bush administrations have prosecuted certain individuals federally, though they were in compliance with state law. Any future presidential administration would also have authority to change the current administration's stance.
Doctors and hospitals are reacting accordingly, and are unsure how to proceed. For instance, the Associated Press reports St. Paul resident Sarah Wellington, who had received verbal assurances from her doctor that she would be prescribed cannabis for her multiple sclerosis, had her approval revoked when the clinic backed out.
Under the terms of Minnesota law, hospitals will be allowed though not required, to dispense smoke-free marijuana in pill, oil or tinctures form. It's unclear what role, if any, Mayo Clinic will play in the distribution of medical marijuana. In a statement to KTTC, Mayo Clinic said, "Participation in the Minnesota Medical Cannabis program is voluntary for health care providers. Mayo Clinic has developed a policy and associated procedures to guide providers who choose to participate in the program."
Dr. Dave Thorson of the Minnesota Medical Association says many doctors and hospital systems are nervous about violating federal law, and that many facilities will wait to gauge the program's rollout before giving their patients the green light.
Mayo Clinic "encourage
News Moderator: Jacob Redmond 420 MAGAZINE ®
Full Article: Registration begins Monday for Minn. medical marijuana - KTTC Rochester, Austin, Mason City News, Weather and Sports
Author: Toryn Hill
Contact: fccinfo@fcc.gov
Photo Credit: Yau/MCT/Newscom
Website: HOME - KTTC Rochester, Austin, Mason City News, Weather and Sports
