of their attractiveness to children, and states with medical marijuana legislation have higher rates of recreational use and abuse in their populations. Furthermore, a type of “medical marijuana,” in the form of regulated prescription drugs, has existed since 1985. There are two FDA-approved THC derivatives: Marinol (dronabinol) and Cesamet (nabilone). Additionally, Epidiolex, a liquid form of CBD, is undergoing FDAapproved trials for intractable childhood seizures, and Sativex, an oral spray with THC and CBD, is being studied in the treatment of pain and ADHD. An Epidiolex trial is open at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia.
Hospice Care We care not only for the mind, body and spirit of patients like Steve, but of their family and loved ones, like his daughter Linda. Contact us anytime, or ask your physician for a no-obligation referral.
An Emotional Argument
Although PAMED’s stance for more research is medically sound and intellectually honest, the chief sponsors of the legislation are not relying on a scientific argument. Many patients suffer from ailments we do not have effective treatments for, perhaps the most tragic of which are children with intractable seizures from Dravet syndrome and Lennox-Gastaut syndrome. The argument is that to withhold from them a product that has helped some patients is inhumane. Given that heartbreaking reality, it is not surprising that 11 states have legalized CBD for medical use, and 23 others to some degree have approved CBD and THC. Clearly, momentum is building nationwide, and this is no different in Pennsylvania, where multiple polls have shown overwhelming support for medical marijuana legalization. Stay Engaged
Although the future remains uncertain, Pennsylvania physicians should seriously consider what their individual position will be in the event that PA allows them to prescribe marijuana. Furthermore, PAMED will need to consider what its role should be. Should PAMED offer marijuana guidelines similar to the opioid prescribing guidelines (www.pamedsoc.org/opioidguidelines)? Our patients know we are concerned about their health, and they trust us to have informed opinions. Our patients and our legislators trust our organizations will have a similar concern for public health, and the ethical practice of medicine. In Pennsylvania, like many other states, if and when medical marijuana legislation passes, it will be a case of “the people have spoken.” But that will just lead us to a different conversation. So stay engaged, we’re going to need you! n Dr. Mackley is a radiation oncologist in the Penn State Hershey Cancer Institute and serves as the 5th District Trustee on the PAMED Board, representing physicians of York County.
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