Hartford, Conn. Connecticuts five-year-old medical marijuana law may soon be expanded to cover more illnesses and conditions.
Members of the public are invited to testify to a panel of eight physician specialists Wednesday.
Approximately 3,500 patients, adults and children, in New Haven County alone are approved and using medical marijuana. Over 15,000 state-wide are using it for 22 serious conditions; including cancer, Parkinsons, Multiple Sclerosis, and Cerebral Palsy.
This week, there will be a move to expand it to seven more ailments like; Eczema, Osteoarthritis, Rheumatoid Arthritis and Fibromyalgia.
Jonathan Harris, the Commissioner of the State Department of Consumer Protection, the agency that oversees the medical marijuana program, said that the program is gaining more acceptance.
"The program is maturing at a deliberate and a thoughtful rate but that its gaining more and more acceptance among patients and among the medical community.
Public comment on this expansion begins tomorrow before a board of eight physician specialists from around the state. They make a recommendation to the Consumer Protection Commissioner who then can propose the change to a state legislative oversight committee which much give final approval. Adds Harris, Theyre coming from the public, theyre coming from people who are suffering from these very serious conditions..So youre looking at a solid year, plus or minus, for any of this to occur.
The public comment before the State Board of Physicians is Wednesday, January 11 starting at 8:30 a.m. at the North Meeting Room D at 450 Columbus Blvd in Hartford.
News Moderator: Katelyn Baker
Full Article: Push To Expand Medical Marijuana In Connecticut
Author: Mark Davis
Contact: 203-784-8888
Photo Credit: News 8
Website: News 8 WTNH
