Courtney: The future of the expansion of medical marijuana remains up for debate. A Blue Ribbon Panel of state lawmakers has studied the issue all summer, gathering public input and expert testimony to help shape new legislation.
Russ: The panel held its last public hearing today. FOX Five’s Kevin Stewart was there and joins us now from the live desk with more. Senate Bill 2020 is an expansion of access to medical marijuana, or medical cannabis, if you will. It didn’t get over the finish line last legislative session, so a Blue Ribbon Panel of state lawmakers has spent the summer listening to both sides of the debate to see what can be done this time.
“I don’t think smoking anything is good for you,” one participant remarked, drawing a chuckle from lawmakers and attendees. Still, the topic of expanding access to medical marijuana remains sensitive. Lawmakers and health experts are divided on how far the state should go in allowing medical marijuana products to be used and distributed.
SB 220, as it stands, would allow medical marijuana to be vaped and would increase the legal THC level from 5% to 50%. “I have prescribed FDA-approved medications that have THC in them for approved reasons,” said internal medicine doctor Elizabeth McCord. Speaking before the Blue Ribbon Panel, she warned that 50% THC is too much. “Anything over 10% is considered high-potency cannabis. When you’re using high-potency medical marijuana, you run the risk of detrimental medical and psychiatric consequences.” McCord recommends a cap of 10% THC or lower due to limited research on higher levels.
However, not all experts agree. Dr. Alexander, who also attended the hearing, argued that medical marijuana treatment must be flexible to meet different patient needs. “A lot of patients can’t metabolize cannabis the same way,” he said.
Committee Chair Representative Dr. Mark Newton said the hearings have offered valuable insight. Testimonies from both doctors and patients who have benefited from medical marijuana treatments are helping lawmakers craft better legislation. “How can we do this?” he asked. “How can we go far enough to compassionately take care of those who need it?”
This was the final hearing of four held over the summer. The next legislative session begins in January, when lawmakers will resume work on the medical marijuana expansion bill. As debate continues, both supporters and critics agree that the future of medical marijuana in the state will depend on balancing compassion, safety, and science.