The U.S. government is barring federal dollars meant for opioid addiction treatment to be used on medical marijuana.
The move is aimed at states that allow marijuana for medical uses, particularly those letting patients with opioid addiction use pot as a treatment, said Dr. Elinore McCance-Katz, whose federal agency doles out money to states for treatment programs.
It’s the latest example of the legal standoff between federal and state governments on marijuana. While cannabis is considered an illegal drug by federal officials, 33 states allow patients, with a doctor’s approval, to use it for medical purposes. About a dozen allow recreational use, too.The new restriction applies to the federal government’s two main grant programs for opioid treatment and an older grant program that supports state efforts to treat alcoholism and drug addiction.
The evidence that marijuana helps some patients use fewer opioids comes from anecdotal reports or surveys of drug users, which is not the type of research that can prove cause and effect. Earlier this year, a study shot down the notion that medical marijuana laws can prevent opioid overdose deaths, challenging a favorite talking point of legal pot advocates.
In 2018, Pennsylvania became the first state to add opioid use disorder to its medical marijuana list. Gov. Tom Wolf, in an announcement of the decision, also designated eight universities to conduct research on marijuana’s use for that and other medical conditions.
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
3 Analytics Startups Transforming HealthcareFrom auto-diagnosing X-rays to addiction intervention, these startups are fast-tracking medical innovation.
Read more »
California boosts pot taxes, shocking unsteady industryCalifornia is increasing business tax rates on legal marijuana, a move that stuns struggling companies.
Read more »
Miley Cyrus: Eight Great Covers That Reveal Her RangeTom Petty, Dolly Parton and other artists get the cover-version treatment from the pop shapeshifter
Read more »
Justice Ginsburg Hospitalized for Fever, Expected to Be Released ShortlyThis is the latest in a series of health scares for the 86-year-old justice.
Read more »
Need to Focus? Scrolling Through Your Phone Could Tank Your ConcentrationAccording to a recent study published in the Journal of Behavioral Addictions, using your phone in between important tasks decreases your ability to focus.
Read more »
Dollar boosted by trade progress signs, Brexit promise lifts sterlingThe dollar and export-focused currencies edged higher on Monday on broadly upbea...
Read more »