Delaware Becomes the 22nd State to Legalize Recreational Cannabis
by Mary E.
In 2016, North Dakota voters approved a medical cannabis ballot. Since 2018, voters have attempted to pass adult use but have failed. North Dakota legislation has also shot down bills decriminalizing marijuana for several years. But in brighter news, legislation from Rep. Mary Schneider (D) cleared the House in an 86-6 vote this March, allowing terminally ill patients to use proof of their admittance in hospice care in lieu of a doctor’s written recommendation to register as a medical cannabis patient. The Senate unanimously, in a 45-0 vote in favor of the bill, now heads to the desk of Gov. Doug Burgum (R).
Hospice programs are primarily funded by Medicare, which causes issues for clinicians who work in the hospice setting and want to provide medical marijuana. Many hospices say they cannot legally prescribe medical marijuana because it remains a Schedule I controlled substance under federal law. With this bill and the urgency of hospice care, regulators would have to issue a cannabis patient card within 14 days of receiving the documentation, and application fees would be waived. This bill also expedites the process for caregivers. Caregivers would be allowed to pick up medical marijuana products for their patients in hospice without going through the process of a background check. This is also the process for those who are treating patients that are terminally ill.
In a broad description, a “caregiver” is someone who is designated to supply cannabis to an individual (patient) for medical purposes. It varies state by state, the roles and responsibilities a caregiver is allowed, and how to become a medical marijuana caregiver. Most state caregivers assist those unable or unable to access medical marijuana themselves, including children and those receiving hospice care. Caregivers follow the patient’s doctor’s recommendations and assist with applying for new medical marijuana cards and card renewals.
In most states, cannabis caregivers are designated by the patient. Caregivers can have multiple patients but usually focus on one patient. The relationship between caregiver and patient is very important to ensure quality care to the patient. Registered caregivers approved by the state’s medical marijuana program are allowed to access medical marijuana legally. This includes purchasing directly from a dispensary or assisting the patient in growing their own marijuana.
Caregivers are also able to provide transportation for their patients to and from doctors or dispensaries if they are too ill or otherwise unable to do so themselves. Caregivers must also follow the various rules when it comes to who and how a patient’s medicine can be administered. Again, it varies from state to state. For example, in some states, caregivers can only administer certain types of medication. In some states, vapes are an approved method of medical marijuana. In other states, caregivers can only provide tinctures, transdermal creams, or capsules.
In most states, caregivers must follow the legal application process with their state agency to become designated. North Dakota’s bill aims to bypass this process. This process varies depending on the state. Cannabis caregivers cannot consume any of their patient’s marijuana products. In some states, caregivers cannot consume any cannabis unless they have a medical card or are located in a state that allows for adult use. Caregivers cannot cultivate cannabis for anyone besides those who are designated to receive it. Caregivers cannot sell or give away any of their patient’s cannabis to anyone.
While most states with medical marijuana programs do not specifically include hospice as a qualifying condition, several other conditions apply to patients receiving hospice care. These qualifying conditions include:
While these are the most common qualifying conditions, each state has its own category of qualifying conditions. Again, most states do not list hospice care as a qualifying condition, but the conditions above are often found in those receiving hospice care.
Allowing caregivers to bypass the fees and background checks required to assist patients allows those receiving hospice care to streamline their care. Those receiving hospice care often cannot leave their home or care facilities to obtain medical marijuana on their own. North Dakota’s bill will help eliminate barriers for those seeking relief with medical marijuana.
“Do you prefer an indica or a sativa?” is typically the first question asked at a dispensary. Indica vs. sativa refers to the two main categories of cannabis strains. Both indicas and sativas differ in appearance and effects. Indicas are generally known for a sedating effect, while sativa strains are known for a cerebral high….
Cancer can be a harrowing journey, not only due to the disease itself but also because of the relentless pain that often accompanies it. Conventional pain management strategies, such as opioids and other medications, can sometimes fall short in providing lasting relief or cause undesirable side effects. But what if a safe and effective complementary…
A bill was passed to legalize the possession and sharing of certain psychedelics for Californians aged 21 and above. The bill underwent an accelerated process that allowed it to bypass further committee consideration; thus, it was moved directly to the Senate floor. The legislation was sponsored by Sen. Scott Wiener (D), and he explained that…
The U.S. Secret Service (USSS) recently loosened its applicant drug use policy to be more accommodating to past cannabis consumers. Candidates of all ages can now apply to join the agency if they have abstained from marijuana for one year before applying. Before this policy, cannabis use within the past three years led to automatic disqualification. …
Ohio introduced a legalization bill, cannabis and psilocybin could be the future of cancer care, and a ketamine company is looking to take the lead in the space. Let’s dive into this week’s canna-news. Ohio Eyes Legalization With HB 168 Ohio is inching closer to making cannabis legalization a reality. The bipartisan-backed House Bill 168—the…
Currently, numerous scientific studies support using cannabis for pain and inflammation. For example, a noteworthy study published by the Journal of the…
June is Alzheimer’s and Brain Awareness Month, and we’re diving into the role of cannabis in brain health. In today’s fast-paced world,…
Cannabis and LGBTQIA+ cultures each have a history of existing in the shadows long before they entered the mainstream. Today we enjoy…