The state Department of Health recently defined their stance on chronic pain conditions for inclusion in the states medical marijuana program, with advocates lauding the move to provide clarity on the issue.
According to a department memo, the agency is regarding chronic pain as any severe debilitating pain that the practitioner determines degrades health and functional capability; where the patient has contraindications, has experienced intolerable side effects, or has experienced failure of one or more previously tried therapeutic options.
A contraindication is when a certain treatment is withheld from a patient due the the harm it would do.
The definition also requires documented medical evidence that such pain has lasted three months for three or more months beyond onset, or the practitioner reasonably anticipates such pain to last three months or more beyond onset.
The states program did not previously cover patients with chronic pain conditions, and those in the medical marijuana industry recently applauded the DOHs move and their definition of chronic pain.
Id say were definitely satisfied its adequate, said Stephen Dahmer, chief medical officer for Vireo Health, of the states definition.
Vireo Health has a medical marijuana processing facility at the Tryon Tech Park in Fulton County. Company officials previously told The Daily Gazette that chronic pains addition to the states program should significantly increase their customer base.
Vireo CEO Kyle Kingsley said the company, which operates in Minnesota and New York, recently saw a similar move by Minnesota health officials that led to a three- to four-fold increase in business in that state.
Dahmer said New Yorks definition of chronic pain is more extensive than Minnesotas and could lead to an even higher increase in business here.
Ill be honest were hoping for even more, said Dahmer. Weve seen through the programs history, in both Minnesota and New York, that this is truly benefiting [those with chronic pain] and in ways that other modalities have not.
But the language in the definition, said Dahmer, makes it clear that the prescribing of medical marijuana will really come down to the individual and their doctor.
The truth of the matter is this comes down to the patient-physician relationship, he said. If you put the two side by side the Minnesota definition is pain that cannot be removed according to generally accepted practices. New York has more definitions: severe, debilitating pain that degrades health and capability. . . The true definition is going to come in that patient-physician interaction.
Dahmer said he doesnt know when the company will begin filling orders from patients with chronic pain. But that part of his job is making sure Vireo has enough product and trained staff to handle the coming influx of orders.
I dont think anyone knows the answer for that but weve been preparing for this, said Dahmer. It could be anywhere from 45 days to even longer but were going to be prepared as soon as possible to serve the patients of New York.
Dahmer added that Vireo has been adding hours to their dispensaries in Queens, White Plains and Albany in anticipation of serving more customers. Hes also seen an increase in doctors, nurse practitioners registering for the program, and more call for his expertise.
Were seeing more interest in the medical community, he said. Were 110 percent prepared for pain to move forward in NY . . . Were excited to be able to serve the patients and were ready for it.
As of late-November, DOH data shows that 750 physicians have registered for the states medical marijuana program, qualifying 10,730 patients in New York.
Scott Giannotti of the NYC-based Cannabis and Hemp Association applauded the states inclusion of chronic pain in the medical marijuana program, and said cannabis advocates in the state, have a lot of work ahead of us.
Its a huge deal, said Giannotti. We need more health education and we need more advocacy.
Giannottis organization is focused on cannabis education and pushing for looser regulations of the substance in New York. Hes also focusing on separating the medical benefits of cannabis from typical notions of recreational marijuana use and its legal restrictions in the state.
Because of the Controlled Substances Act, he said, marijuana is considered by law enforcement to be an illegal recreational product with no medical benefit.
As long as that stigma exists and until its removed theres always going to be crime around cannabis, he said, adding that cannabis (the chemical found in the marijuana plant) has been found to be effective against a wide range of illnesses, and is known to be antioxidant, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory and a neuroprotectant.
He also touted cannabis as a safer way to treat pain than traditional opioid-based medicines.
This chronic pain distinction now opens up the market for everyday people to switch from opioids to cannabinoid-based therapy, which is so important because that also affects addiction, said Giannotti.
Prescription opioids have been linked by many medical professionals to an opioid addiction crisis currently sweeping the country, and is linked by experts to later heroin use and addiction.
Giannotti said hes heard anecdotally that more doctors, physicians assistants and nurses are getting certified to administer in the program, but that its still too early to tell how big the spike in interest in the program is among the medical community.
Giannotti said the states medical marijuana program isnt perfect he would like to see the qualifying conditions list done away with altogether but praised state officials for assigning the program to the DOH as opposed to another state agency like other states have done with their programs.
I have hope and I think that the infrastructure was done properly in the sense that our Department of Health regulates the program and it wasnt thrown to alcohol, gaming or tobacco [agencies], he said. Its a good sign because people here in New York are going to get a medicine thats regulated.
But theres always more work to do on the issue. Giannotti said that certain regulations on medical marijuana are important for safety, but would like to see the legal prohibition on recreational use ended and taxes that drive up the cost of medical marijuana lessened.
I dont know how long its gonna take, but we kind of feel like we have the wind at our backs, he said.
News Moderator: Katelyn Baker
Full Article: Chronic Pain For Medical Marijuana Standards Clarified
Author: Daniel Fitzsimmons
Contact: 518-395-3140
Photo Credit: Peter R. Barber
Website: The Daily Gazette
