Pensacola , Fla. A local doctor is the first in Pensacola to accept new patients and prescribe medical marijuana for their conditions.
Dr. Michelle Beasley has over 100 patients at her clinic, Medical Cannabis Clinic of Florida on Scenic Highway, but only a handful are currently being prescribed medical marijuana.
On Tuesday, the list of medical conditions Beasley can treat with drugs increases and people with those conditions will soon be able to have treatment.
Beasley has been treating patients with cancer, muscle spasms and seizures for a few months.
"So we’re just in the beginning stages, you start low on the dosing and go up," Beasley said.
Earlier this year she completed the required training that allows her to prescribe marijuana in the form of capsules, oil and topical cream. Five other doctors in Northwest Florida have also completed the training.
For Beasley and her patients, the drugs have been a life saver.
"These patients are looking to have a higher function in their life and work again and have more independence," Beasley said.
Only about 10 of Beasley’s patients have been treated by her for more than 90 days, a requirement in the current state statute. Beasley added those patients are already seeing results.
"These patients are, most of them, are using opiods pain medicines or their seizure drugs are giving them side effects. One of them is a mom whose seizures are so bad she can’t be left alone with her children," Beasley explained. "She’s looking to be more independent, have less side effects from the medicine and be able to take care of her children."
Amendment Two expands the conditions Beasley will be allowed to treat with medical marijuana.
The list of conditions that can be treated with the drug are: cancer, epilepsy, glaucoma, HIV, AIDS, PTSD, ALS, Crohn’s disease, Parkinson’s disease and multiple sclerosis.
While medical marijuana is available in the state, the drug is still illegal under federal law. Last week, the DEA created a new drug code for marijuana extracts and listed it as a Schedule 1 Controlled Substance.
News Moderator: Katelyn Baker
Full Article: Pensacola Doctor Seeing Patients Looking For Medical Marijuana Treatment
Author: Jackalyn Kovac
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Photo Credit: Salwan Georges
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