By Michigan’s medical marijuana program is now one of the most open in the nation. A new law was enacted on December 20th, 2017, opening the program to more people with debilitating conditions. This article summarizes five latest michigan medical marijuana news. Including how to become a caregiver, and outlines some recent changes in Michigan’s medical cannabis system.
It is now legal to use cannabis to treat glaucoma and post-traumatic stress disorder and as a replacement therapy for opioid addiction. The governor also signed a measure allowing doctors to prescribe cannabis as a treatment for cancer patients with multiple chemotherapy treatments. This article provides summaries of these important medical marijuana news items.
1. The Frist News Is That You Can Be A Caregiver
In the first week of January 2018, regulations became effective that will allow any person over 21 years old to be a caregiver for someone with a debilitating medical condition. Under the new regulations, caregivers may serve up to five patients simultaneously. As a caregiver, you cannot have been convicted of certain drug-related offenses, such as selling drugs or manufacturing drug paraphernalia. Caregivers may not grow their marijuana unless they are a patient themselves. Patients who receive state-issued cards authorizing them to use cannabis will be able to receive a maximum of two-and-a-half ounces of cannabis every two weeks. Caregivers will be issued state registration cards which they must carry while transporting medical marijuana.
2. The Second Latest Michigan Medical Marijuana News Is That Medical Marijuana Can Be Used For Opioid Addiction
The second most recent latest michigan medical marijuana news involves opioid addiction. The new law signed by the governor in 2017 allows a doctor to prescribe cannabis as part of a 12-step treatment plan for people with opioid use disorder. The prescribing doctor must be certified as a specialist in addiction medicine by the American Board of Addiction Medicine or the American Osteopathic Association. All patients starting this treatment plan will have to stop taking their opioid painkillers temporarily and may not start cannabis until they have been drug-free for at least 7 days. Under the new law, it is still illegal to grow marijuana unless you are a patient yourself or are the designated caregiver of one or more patients.
3. The Third Latest Michigan Medical Marijuana News Is That It Is Now Legal To Treat Post-traumatic Stress Disorder
The third most recent news is that post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is now listed as a qualifying condition under Michigan’s medical marijuana laws. PTSD currently has no accepted medical treatment, but cannabis has been shown to help relieve symptoms such as insomnia and depression. It can effectively reduce the risk of a traumatic memory being triggered by the event. Doctors do not prescribe approved prescription medications for treating PTSD under state law; however, the new legislation did not change this requirement. In addition, the regulation prohibits knowingly prescribing cannabis for any diagnosed mental health condition.
4. The Fourth Latest Michigan Medical Marijuana News Is That Patients With Multiple Chemotherapy Treatments Can Be A Patient
The fourth most recent latest michigan medical marijuana news is that a patient may now allow a physician to prescribe cannabis as part of combination therapy or in place of an opioid drug. This applies to patients whose doctors have prescribed at least three (3) different chemotherapies, including enzyme replacement therapy, protease inhibitors, and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Currently, only pancreatic cancer and AIDS are listed as qualifying conditions that qualify patients to use cannabis in this manner. Patients who receive a prescription for cannabis may not grow their marijuana but must register with the state and obtain it from a state-registered dispensary.
5. The Fifth And Latest Michigan Medical Marijuana News Is That Cancer Patients Can Have A Prescription For Cannabis
The latest michigan medical marijuana news item is that cancer patients are now eligible to use cannabis as part of their treatment or to help mitigate the side effects of chemotherapy treatments. The new law signed by the governor allows doctors to prescribe cannabis for pain management and other palliative care needs, including cancer patients with at least three types of chemotherapy treatments. Cannabis may be combined with other types of medication, but it cannot be prescribed as a replacement treatment for any currently approved FDA-approved medication. Patients must register with the state and obtain medical marijuana from a state-registered dispensary.
Conclusion
The Michigan Medical Marijuana Program has grown significantly since it was legalized in 2008. There are already approximately 4,000 registered patients and many more who have received a doctor’s certification that they qualify to use cannabis. In addition to the recently enacted law that makes it easier for people with disabling conditions to obtain medical marijuana cards. Several new laws and regulations are taking effect in 2018 that will further improve the program. This article outlined five important medical marijuana news items relating to opening the program more widely to qualified applicants, treatment options for opioid addiction, and cancer care.
