Robert Celt
New Member
Maine could become the first state to add addiction to opioid prescriptions and illegal narcotics like heroin to its list of conditions that qualify for medical marijuana.
Nearly 30 medical marijuana caregivers and patients told state regulators at a public hearing last month that marijuana eases the symptoms of opioid withdrawal and offers a healthier alternative to the prescription painkillers that can lead to addiction.
Joseph Legendre, 50, of Mount Vernon, choked back tears as he spoke about the pain he endured after hurting his back 26 years ago at construction site and how marijuana finally eased that pain. Britney Lashier, 23, of Saco, said smoking marijuana helped her break a heroin addiction she picked up in Morocco while studying in college.
"Marijuana saved my life for sure," she said.
Supporters say it has been prescribed for opiate addiction in other states that have few restrictions on medical marijuana, including California and Massachusetts. But Maine would be the first to specifically add opiate addiction as a qualifying condition, according to the Maine Medical Association.
The Maine Department of Health and Human Serves held the hearing in response a petition from a caregiver.
The department now has 180 days to respond.
News Moderator: Robert Celt 420 MAGAZINE ®
Full Article: Maine Could Be 1st State To OK Medical Pot To Treat Addicts
Author: Tom Bell
Photo Credit: MountaineerNewsService
Website: Fosters
Nearly 30 medical marijuana caregivers and patients told state regulators at a public hearing last month that marijuana eases the symptoms of opioid withdrawal and offers a healthier alternative to the prescription painkillers that can lead to addiction.
Joseph Legendre, 50, of Mount Vernon, choked back tears as he spoke about the pain he endured after hurting his back 26 years ago at construction site and how marijuana finally eased that pain. Britney Lashier, 23, of Saco, said smoking marijuana helped her break a heroin addiction she picked up in Morocco while studying in college.
"Marijuana saved my life for sure," she said.
Supporters say it has been prescribed for opiate addiction in other states that have few restrictions on medical marijuana, including California and Massachusetts. But Maine would be the first to specifically add opiate addiction as a qualifying condition, according to the Maine Medical Association.
The Maine Department of Health and Human Serves held the hearing in response a petition from a caregiver.
The department now has 180 days to respond.
News Moderator: Robert Celt 420 MAGAZINE ®
Full Article: Maine Could Be 1st State To OK Medical Pot To Treat Addicts
Author: Tom Bell
Photo Credit: MountaineerNewsService
Website: Fosters
