Medical Marijauna Avoids FDA Scrutiny

Many of my patients are using medical or recreational marijuana to ease symptoms that do not respond well to conventional medical treatments. I understand this.  I have already opined on this blog that I believe that the medical evidence supporting the safety and efficacy of medical marijuana is rather thin, very different from the strict standards that the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) relies upon in assessing prescription drugs and medical devices.  Moreover, here in Ohio and elsewhere, our legislature is deeply involved in determining which medical conditions are eligible for medical marijuana treatment, a role that I believe should be handled exclusively by medical professionals and appropriate federal government agencies, such as the FDA.  Politicians should leave this to the professionals. How can you argue otherwise?

I am employed by Cleveland’s largest health care organization which has national and international reach. The organization will not permit any caregiver to participate in the medical marijuana program with patients.  One could argue that they are denying their patients legitimate medical care that other Ohioans routinely receive.  However, they, like me, are skeptical of the safety and efficacy data as well as the lack of uniformity in the various forms of medical marijuana and product differences among dispensaries – all valid points.   Moreover, since employee marijuana use is prohibited by my employer, it would be inconsistent and ludicrous if I were permitted to recommend medical marijuana to my patients but was forbidden to use it personally. 

The FDA states there is no evidence that 

medical marijuana is safe and effective for any condition.

We must also recognize that marijuana purchase and use remain illegal on the federal level.  The feds currently classify it as a Schedule 1 substance, along with heroin and LSD.  While I’m not a pharmacologist, it does seem to me that marijuana doesn’t belong on this list.  I predict that in time the feds will legalize medical marijuana as has occurred in various states.  I also predict that the medical marijuana industry, similar to the probiotic industry, will not want to be subjected to the FDA’s testing requirements for obvious reasons.  If you really believed in your product’s performance, and wanted to reassure and protect the public, then wouldn’t you demand FDA oversight?  What conclusion would you draw if a manufacturer of a medical treatment or any product angled to avoid scientific testing? 

My own view is that the forces that have propelled medical (and recreational) marijuana into the marketplace are more economic than medical.  There is a fortune to be made in this growing industry that has an expanding national market base.  And, every municipality or state is hungry for additional tax dollars.

So here in Ohio, my state gives me the green light to ingest medical marijuana, my employer says no for me or my patients and the feds are lurking in the background maintaining that marijuana use is a crime!  How’s that for consistency and clarity?