The AZ Medical Marijuana Act also requires us to periodically accept petitions to permanently add new medical conditions to the list of conditions that qualify folks for a card. In Jan 2012, we’ve received petitions to add PTSD 1; PTSD 2; Depression; Migraines; and Generalized Anxiety Disorder. In short- I didn’t approve the petitions because of the lack of published data regarding the risks and benefits of using Cannabis to treat or provide relief for the petitioned conditions.
We’ll begin accepting petitions to add debilitating conditions tomorrow; July24th-July31. Our medical team will meet after that to get me an initial analysis regarding whether any petitions we receive meet the screening criteria. Assuming we receive qualified petitions, I’ll need to make a final decision by December 2013. Our website shows folks how, what, where, and when to submit petitions.
I would imagine that migraines could fall into the same category as chronic pain, which IS a qualified condition. But apparently you get to use your non-medical power to decide what will help people or not. Physicians should be able to prescribe what works for their patients regardless of your authority. There is hardly any scientific proof because the feds won’t allow it. How will you conduct studies and get proof of anything when it has not been allowed. It is quite a shame that one man can trump the will of the voters and all those who sign the various petitions. You have too much power
Physicians are free to Certify patients for MM if they have any debilitating medical condition (in your example migrane headaches) that is causing severe and chronic pain. In fact, we do have patients that have Qualified Patient Registration Cards in that category- with primary diagnosis of migrane headaches causing severe and chronic pain.
The previous petition was to add migrane headaches in and of themselves- in other words the Certification wouldn’t necessarily be tied to severe and chronic pain.
I actually have my doubts regarding the effectiveness of using Cannabis to treat various conditions. I don’t think there’s been satisfactory studies done to confirm or deny it’s usefulness. It seems some areas have very who do allow the legal use of Cannabis have very “lax” restrictions on its use which I think in the long run could cause unforeseen consequences.
http://thejointblog.com/study-finds-cannabis-may-provide-treatment-for-autism/
The Arizona Cannabis Nurses Association has submitted our petition for PTSD to be added to the list of qualifying conditions. We have included multiple compelling studies as evidence. The real life evidence can be found in the improved quality of life experienced by those who gain relief from the horrid symptoms associated with PTSD. We believe in giving our Veterans and other PTSD suffers the freedom to choose the medicine that works best for them. We are grateful for the opportunity and for your consideration in adding PTSD to the list of qualifying conditions.
Well, I guess you already have your statement of denial ready! Way to look at this objectively Mr. Humble!
As patients in Arizona we need this taken away from the Department of Health and turned over to the Bureaucrats who only see number. This ADHS cannot even see compassion for sick people. Maybe the Taxation folks would focus on numbers instead?