If you missed it during the early winter, pandemically-challenged, holiday season; the U.S. Congress passed its first-ever marijuana legislation. If you follow this news regularly, you’d say “I knew that,” but what happened in December may now get political traction in the coming months as the vaccine roll-out continues and we return to a new sense of “normal.”
The MORE Act Clears Way for Medical Cannabis Research
It was just last December that the U.S. House of Representatives passed the Marijuana Opportunity Reinvestment and Expungement Act, also known as the MORE Act. The measure calls for removing cannabis from the Controlled Substances Act. It also creates criminal and social justice reforms. The December 4 passage marked the first time a chamber of Congress approved legislation to end federal marijuana prohibition.
Why Is This So Important To Me Now?
It’s important because removing marijuana from the list of scheduled controlled substances could be a game changer for healthcare professionals and those suffering from serious medical conditions, while at the same time opening up research on the benefits of medical marijuana and its therapeutic remedies.
“We support more accessibility because we believe in the plant,” said Tammy Royer, Chief Operating Officer of Organic Remedies, “and we can’t lose sight of the potential benefits of nationwide research into medical marijuana. Research on a national level may help us clarify the benefits of the plant rather than focusing on the assumed negative effects of marijuana.”
Pennsylvania’s Department of Health requires a registered pharmacist, a physician assistant, doctor, or a certified registered nurse practitioner to be onsite during business hours; however, other states, like Colorado, are already operating under a hybrid system, where one side of a dispensary is open to recreational customers while another dedicated part of the facility is exclusively for patients in the medical program. As a side note: some states waive or lower taxes on the medical side, while heavily taxing the recreational industry.
“A hybrid business model continues to allow patients to be treated under the guidance of a medical professional and may include different products more suitable to the medical application of marijuana,” said Royer.
Will We See More “MORE”?
Vanita Gupta, a long time ACLU attorney and Associate Attorney General Nominee under President Biden sent a letter late last year to help advance the MORE legislation. Gupta urged Democratic leaders to vote “yes” on the MORE legislation due to increased national dialogue over law enforcement and drug laws along with the fight against COVID-19. The Marijuana Opportunity Reinvestment and Expungement Act remains on the radar.
“We’re expecting the recreational market to open up, but there is still much to learn about how the plant is beneficial for a number of medical conditions,” said Royer. She says having a registered pharmacist or healthcare professional available at a marijuana dispensary would also contribute to a more beneficial recreational model. “If a recreational user has questions involving their health, a professional is just steps away. A pharmacist can answer the crucial questions for many patients involving drug interactions, dosage and product selection.”
The Organic Remedies Pledge
Helping our patients improve their quality of life is our first priority and the central focus of everything we do. As a life science research facility, we are cultivating dozens of high quality, therapeutic cannabis strains. Our exceptional team of scientists, botanists, horticulturalists and chemists are continuously working to identify new strains and cannabinoids that promote positive health outcomes for individuals. From detailed and deliberate research, to cultivation of premium strains, to offering high quality therapeutic products, we are devoted to delivering effective treatments to patients suffering from serious medical conditions.
