A new Colorado law aimed at keeping young people from buying and reselling highly potent THC concentrate has sparked concerns from doctors who recommend medical cannabis about how the new provisions could jeopardize their ability to practice medicine. The law, which has some doctors saying they have stopped working with medical cannabis patients altogether, requires that patients obtain written “certifications” from doctors in order to access marijuana concentrates over a new daily limit. Doctors must include new information on those forms like a patient’s address, maximum THC potency level, dosage, directions for use, and a daily authorized quantity. Previously in Colorado, doctors would recommend cannabis rather than prescribe it, in keeping with a 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals ruling that protects a doctor’s right to “recommend” and discuss the health benefits of cannabis as part of a doctor-patient relationship. But the new requirements for concentrates in House Bill 1317, which was approved by the legislature last year, are more akin to writing a prescription for cannabis, which remains illegal under federal law, said Dr. Laura Lasater. Doctors must maintain an active certification with the Drug Enforcement Agency to practice medicine.
Cannabis Law Report, 02/08/2022 06:33:00