FL: Bill To Fund UF Medical Marijuana Surveillance System

Katelyn Baker

Well-Known Member
Gainesville, Fla -- A bill moving through the state legislature would fund medical marijuana research at the University of Florida.

HB 3159, filed by Representative Dane Eagle, would provide nearly $2.5 million to UF's proposed Marijuana and Safety Outcomes Surevillance System, which will study the efficacy and safety of low-THC cannabis for
25,000 enrolled patients.

Evidence is currently lacking to evaluate the possible risks and benefits of medical marijuana. The surveillance program will safeguard the use of the treatment, and will monitor any emerging safety concerns, especially for use in children.

"Medical marijuana is not Federal Drug Administration (FDA) approved, and the amount of information about its use is small. It's important that UF study the safety and efficacy of the information," said Janine Sikes, a spokesperson for UF.

Patient data would be maintained on a server at UF which meets all state and federal data privacy requirements and allows for daily disaster recovery. Sikes said the $2.5 million provides for faculty and staff salaries and data processing costs.

In 2014, the Legislature enacted legislation cited as the "Compassionate Medical Cannabis Act of 2014." It requires physicians to submit a patient treatment plan quarterly to the UF's College of Pharmacy for research on the safety of low-THC cannabis on patients.

The bill moved into the Appropriations Committee last week, and will go to a House vote for final approval.

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News Moderator: Katelyn Baker 420 MAGAZINE ®
Full Article: Bill To Fund UF Medical Marijuana Surveillance System
Author: Staff
Contact: (352) 377-2020
Photo Credit: Nick Evans
Website: WCJB
 
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