COMMUNITY >> Cont. from pg. 12 likely would not yield the expected result, noting that many doctors are reluctant towards medical marijuana and would not welcome increased discretion. Instead, he said he prefers a measure that would open medical access to the entire marijuana plant and increase the list of conditions to include PTSD and others. But such a bill would be hard to pass in the current political climate, he said, adding that “House Republicans are still fighting the war on drugs.” Although the medical marijuana program’s future is unclear from several angles, developments are taking shape in terms of permissible forms of treatment and a potential second manufacturer. Reisetter said the cannabidiol board recently recommended an approved list of treatment options including oral forms, like capsules and liquid, as well as topical, inhaled, rectal and vaginal forms. The recommendation would clarify administrative rules to accompany the 2017 law and would not require legislative approval. She said they could take effect as early as June 27. The state also plans to seek a second manufacturer sometime in April, Reisetter reported, after its initial search last fall yielded MedPharm as the only applicant. Meanwhile, Olsen remains hopeful for additional changes. He noted the legislature approved last year’s measure with little time to spare. “We’re going to have to hold our breath and wait until the very last second,” he said. Holly Thayer, poet and fact finder, is still trying to figure things out. That’s good, right?
46 Apr. 18–May 1, 2018