Marijuana Research Catch 22

George Hodgin ’s mission seemed simple: manufacture uncontaminated, chemically consistent cannabis for use in scientific research on marijuana’s medical effects, all while complying with federal regulations surrounding the production of a drug still classified by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) as h ighly dangerous. Despite new rules the DEA promulgated eighteen months ago, with the stated goal of allowing expanded cultivation of marijuana for scientific research, George Hodgin is still in administrative limbo. Hodgin, a former Navy SEAL, approached us recently for advice after encountering numerous regulatory roadblocks.   We have no special knowledge or ability in that direction; but perhaps publicizing his endeavors will nudge public opinion (and regulators) in the right direction. Expanding research access to high-quality marijuana is important. TheMarijuana Policy Project estimates that roughly 2.5 million patients use medical marijuana – just in states with legal medical marijuana programs. This number is likely an underestimate, as it does not account for individuals obtaining marijuana for medical use through non-medical channels. Marijuana’s illegality at the federal level prevents the collection of much needed data that co uld help drive future research.Veterans represent a particularly important category of medical marijuana users. Although Veterans Health Administration physicians are prohibited by federal law from recommending medical marijua...
Source: Cato-at-liberty - Category: American Health Authors: Source Type: blogs