Since the passage of the Mississippi Medical Cannabis Act, many have been curious about what the bill covers. It has listed out specific requirements for people to be considered eligible to take medical marijuana and even for doctors to be able to prescribe it to their patients.
Among the list of medical conditions that are listed that can be treated with medical marijuana are cancer, Parkinson’s disease, Huntington’s disease, muscular dystrophy, glaucoma, spastic quadriplegia, positive status for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS), hepatitis, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, sickle-cell anemia, Alzheimer’s, agitation of dementia, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), autism, pain refractory to appropriate opioid management, diabetic/peripheral neuropathy, spinal cord disease or severe injury, or the treatment of any of those conditions. It is also allowed to be used for a condition or treatment that produces wasting syndrome, chronic pain, severe nausea, seizures, or persistent muscle spasms, including multiple sclerosis. Other serious medical conditions or treatments can be added by MDOH, and citizens are allowed to petition to add a qualifying medical condition that isn’t already listed.
While medical marijuana has been legalized, there are certain qualifications that must be met before a person can purchase any. The person must first have a diagnosis from a certified practitioner that the patient does actually have a debilitating medical condition. Then, they would have to have written certification from the practitioner. They would then have to be registered and issued a registry card by MDOH showing that they are approved to use medical marijuana. There is a limit to how much any individual taking medical marijuana can use, and all dispensaries are required to verify that a patient has exceeded that limit and report all information to the Mississippi Prescription Monitoring Program. There is a $25 fee for a 12-month identification card.
Outside of the typical concerns set forth in the over 400 pages of the bill outlining the parameters for medical marijuana, the public is also at odds on whether or not it is a good idea to legalize medical marijuana. There have been various arguments both for and against the bill.
Some of those for using medical marijuana have the following reasons:
• Reduce or control epileptic seizures
• Can relieve chronic pain, including neuropathic pain
• THC could slow the progression of Alzheimer’s
• Soothe Parkinson’s disease tremors
• Can treat PTSD
• Prevent or settle muscle spasms
• Decrease nausea or eliminate sickness caused by chemotherapy
• Safer alternative to opioids for pain management
• Doesn’t have to be smoked and can be used as CBD oils, topical pain relief treatments, edibles, and other non-smoking application to reduce the chance of respiratory-related problems.
Those who are opposed to medical marijuana use have the following reasons or concerns:
• Infringes on gun rights since it’s a schedule 1 substance
• Negative side effects to the citizens in the future from how legislation worded the law
• Impairs cognitive ability and short-term memory
• Risk of abuse and addiction
• Apathy, drowsiness, or depression that could affect personality and mood
• Increased risk of heart attack
• Potential for hallucinations and withdrawal symptoms
• Immune system suppression from long-term use
See next week’s Tribune for more information.
