Medical marijuana advocates, users, and suppliers recently received some good news. President Obama has implemented a new policy advising federal prosecutors to stop targeting people involved in the sale and use of medical marijuana in compliance with state law. Fourteen states have legalized the medicinal use of marijuana, although the laws vary widely between them. While this new Obama policy is good news for legally diligent citizens, many are still worried about complying with the web of state laws, which can be quite confusing.
Most medical marijuana proponents are excited by this decidedly different take on marijuana use which is in stark contrast to the Bush Administration's view. They are optimistic that this brings us one step closer to nationwide legalization of medicinal marijuana. And indeed, it's looking more and more like legalization is in the future. Fortune Magazine ran tantalizing cover story in September about the legalization of marijuana. I was surprised to find out that Obama had introduced this marijuana policy all they way back in February of this year. Interestingly, although this was a huge step forward in the legalization process, this move by the President received little to no publicity. The article is a great read and admittedly thought provoking.
I happen to live in California, the pioneer of medical marijuana laws. Hospice patients in my area don't have a hard time getting approved for medical marijuana (okay, if we're being honest here, anyone with enough cash and some form of medical condition, real or made up, won't have a difficult time either). The use of medicinal marijuana is rapidly increasing in the palliative care community and we are already seeing positive outcomes - reduced nausea, increased appetite, improved pain control, etc.
You might have some questions about medical marijuana and whether it's right for you or your loved one. Here's some information to get you started:
Medical Marijuana: Frequently Asked Questions
This post was featured in the November 2009 edition of Palliative Care Grand Rounds!
Congratulations and thanks for contributing to the palliative care blogosphere.
Thanks for your post Angela! Our field needs some wider education about medical marijuana given the increasing availability.
In Sacramento, there is a new law that affects medical marijuana use. Although in many parts of the country all use of marijuana is illegal, in Sacramento and other parts of California it is legal to use marijuana for medical reasons. This means that if you have a painful medical condition such as AIDS, or a condition that requires painful treatments, such as cancer, you can legally use marijuana to get relief from the associated pain and nausea. Of course, you will need to go through the proper channels to make sure that you are within the scope of the law. Following the proper guidelines ensures that you will be able to use marijuana medically in Sacramento without having to worry about getting into trouble with the police.
In 1996, Californians voted to pass Proposition 215. This proposition is also known as The Compassionate Use Act. It allows people to use, cultivate, and transport marijuana for medical uses. It also exempts people who do so and doctors who prescribe medical marijuana from any legal repercussions related to their actions. This is relevant because the federal government still considers marijuana use to be a crime. There have been several cases where the US government chose to prosecute individuals using medical marijuana in Sacramento (mostly growers of marijuana) who believed that they were acting within the scope of the Compassionate Use Act. If you choose to grow marijuana for medical purposes you will want to be aware that the federal government may choose to pursue you even though the state laws in Sacramento and other parts of California are on your side.
Following the passage of Proposition 215, marijuana dispensaries started springing up around Sacramento. In order to clarify some questions that came up, the California Senate passed Bill 420. This bill paved the way for a registration program for individuals who wanted to use marijuana for medical purposes. People who want to get a Medical Marijuana ID card (MMID) need to have a note from a doctor saying that their condition would benefit from the use of marijuana. Once a person has that he or she will need to go to the Sacramento County Office of Vital Statistics to pick up an application. The application asks about medical history and whether the applicant believes that marijuana use will help their medical condition. In addition to the doctor’s notes, applicants are required to provide proof of residency, a photo identification, their doctor’s name and contact information, and a non-refundable application fee of $166. Applications can only be turned in with a prior appointment. Appointments are scheduled on Wednesdays or Fridays, and applicants can call 916-875-0994 to schedule one.
Since the passage of Proposition 215 and Senate Bill 420, the use of medical marijuana in Sacramento has become much more commonplace. There are websites dedicated to maintaining a directory of doctors who are willing to write letters of recommendation, and of dispensaries where those possessing an MMID can purchase marijuana for medical use. Overall, surveys show that many citizens of Sacramento favor medical marijuana use so long as there are programs in place to keep people from abusing the system. For those who use medical marijuana for pain relief, these laws have enabled them to find their product in Sacramento without fear of legal repercussions.
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