Cannabis is going to be affecting by a new Colorado law. It will be aiming at keeping young people from buying and reselling highly potent THC concentrate. In fact, it has sparked concerns from the doctors who recommend medical weed. There are new provisions that could jeopardize their ability to practice medicine.
Cannabis – Written Certifications From Doctors
Moreover, there are some doctors who are saying that they have stopped working with medical cannabis completely. In fact, that is the law. However, it does require that patients obtain written “certifications” from the doctors. It is in order to access marijuana concentrates over a new daily limit. However, doctors must include the new information on those formers like a patient’s address, maximum THC potency level, plus dosage, also the directions for use, and a daily authorized quantity.
Recommending Cannabis and Discussing Health Benefits
Previously in Colorado, doctors would, in fact, recommend cannabis rather than prescribe it, in keeping with a 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals ruling. It would protect a doctor’s right to “recommend” and then discuss the health benefits of cannabis as part of a doctor-patient relationship.
House Bill 1317
However, the new requirements for concentrates in House Bill 1317, which were approving by the legislature last year, are really more akin to writing a prescription for cannabis. It would remain illegal under federal law. Dr. Laura Lasater said. Plus, the doctors must, in fact, maintain an active certification with the Drug Enforcement Agency to practice medicine.
“Moreover, Cannabis is really still considering a Schedule I drug,” said Lasater. She left her job at a medical cannabis clinic in another Colorado city in protest over the new rules. “Moreover, I could lose my DEA license by trying to write the specifications (the state) is now requiring.”
Schedule I drugs are really defining by the federal government. They have no accepted medical use and including heroin, LSD, and peyote.
In fact, doctors have also gone and cited provisions under the state’s Medical Practices Act which would prohibit them from “administrating, dispensing or prescribing any habit-forming drug. Plus any controlled substance.”
However, it is unknown many doctors have actually decided to stop working with cannabis patients. Currently, there are 25,857 physicians which are currently licensing to practice medicine in Colorado.