Marijuana in the News Part III
We now continue our exploration of Medical Marijuana in the news by looking at two more hot issues. The first is one we probably all thought would never be seriously considered anywhere in the United States. It has to do with the possible potential legalization of marijuana in the state of California. The second has to do with the question of whether the cost of the drug could be covered in health plans.
Marijuana Legalization Proposals Could be Included in 2010 California Ballot
The AP reports that up to three proposals by marijuana advocates could be
included in the 2010 California ballot. The proposals aim to legalize marijuana in the state. California currently is one of the states that have a medical marijuana program, but the usage of marijuana is not legal without a license prescribed by a doctor for medicinal usage.
The three proposals include:
• Legalization for possession of up to one ounce of marijuana. The minimum age requirement is the same as for alcohol—21.
• The allowance for individuals to grow marijuana within a 5 ft. by 5 ft. plot on their property.
• The choice for local governments to allow marijuana sales in their respective community.
If any of these proposals are successful, it would set up what sure will be a controversial conflict between state and federal governments over national drug policy. The biggest challenge of which will be how federal law enforcement will enforce federal drug laws in relation to state-sanctioned legalized marijuana. The drug is illegal under federal law and their current stance hints nowhere at nationwide legalization.
As ruled by the Supreme Court, federal law officials have the right to enforce US government laws in any state. They are able to arrest users and suppliers, even if they are in compliance with state laws. The significant issue is that arrests are almost all made at the state level.
Should marijuana be legalized in California, state enforcement, as well as its cooperation with federal law enforcement would cease. Though they have the legal right, the US government simply will not have the resources necessary to pursue those who comply with a state’s personal usage laws, but are in violation of federal laws.
Insurance Coverage for Users of Medical Marijuana?
Both healthcare reform and medical marijuana have been highly controversial topics in the news. If we consider the two together, we would wonder whether the cost of the drug will be covered through health plans. The cost of medical marijuana for patients is currently not covered by any health insurance plan. Anyone who uses medical marijuana must pay for it using cash. The reason it is not covered by any insurance plan is because marijuana is not a drug approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
Chances of Approval from the FDA of Medical Marijuana
The prospects of medical marijuana being approved by the FDA are very small. This is due to the following reasons:
• The federal government still considers marijuana is considered a controlled substance.
• Marijuana is not created by any drug company. The components that make up marijuana are unknown, so it the FDA is unable to assess it.
• There is no standard size of dosage for marijuana. It is available in a range of potencies and quantities, which would have to be standardized in order to meet FDA guidelines.
• It is unclear who would actually submit marijuana to the FDA for approval
Thus, if you would like to use marijuana medicinally, you will have to pay for it using cash for the foreseeable future.
Marijuana is addictive and if you think you or a loved one is having a problem with marijuana, please contact our treatment center at 866-540-5242.
- article by Khoi Nguyen
