Medical Marijuana | The Health Law Firm Blog

Canada to Legalize Recreational Marijuana in 2017: Spring Breakers to Go North Next Year

By George F. Indest III, J.D., M.P.A., LL.M., Board Certified by The Florida Bar in Health Law
On April 20, 2016, Canada’s Health Minister announced that the Canadian government will introduce a new law in the Spring of 2017 to legalize recreational marijuana and regulate sales. This law fulfills Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s election pledge and follows the footsteps of several U.S. states that are attempting to decriminalize and permit easy access to the drug.

The Details.

Canada’s Health Minister Jane Philpott, who recently spoke at a special session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York, said the Canadian law will ensure marijuana is kept away from children and keep criminals from […]

By The Health Law Firm|2024-03-14T10:02:02-04:00May 15, 2018|marijuana law, Marijuana Law Blog, Medical Marijuana|

Could Marijuana Be a Successful Treatment For Opioid Addiction? Lawmakers Are Considering This Alternative Treatment

By George F. Indest III, J.D., M.P.A., LL.M., Board Certified by The Florida Bar in Health Law

Recently, a growing number of patients and doctors have claimed that medical marijuana may help treat addiction to painkillers and heroin. These claims have intrigued lawmakers and advocates who are pushing for marijuana as a treatment for the abuse of opioids and narcotics like heroin, as well as an alternative to painkillers.

One Problem: Very Little Supporting Research.

As there has been a growing problem with addiction to painkillers and heroin, this seems like a promising treatment. There is one problem however. There […]

By The Health Law Firm|2024-03-14T10:02:02-04:00May 15, 2018|marijuana law, Marijuana Law Blog, Medical Marijuana|

Orlando One Step Closer to Decriminalizing Marijuana as Commissioners Approve New Ordinance

By George F. Indest III, J.D., M.P.A., LL.M., Board Certified by The Florida Bar in Health Law
On April 18, 2016, Orlando moved a one step closer to effectively decriminalizing small amounts of marijuana. The City Council narrowly backed a measure that would allow officers to issue tickets to some people caught with the drug.

Orlando commissioners voted 4-3 to approve the ordinance, which would make possession of 20 grams (about two-thirds of an ounce) or less a violation of city code carrying a $50 fine for first-time offenders.

Marijuana Still Remains a State Crime.

Even if it passes, marijuana possession will […]

By The Health Law Firm|2024-03-14T10:02:02-04:00May 15, 2018|marijuana law, Marijuana Law Blog, Medical Marijuana|

Pennsylvania House of Representatives Passes Medical Marijuana Bill

By George F. Indest III, J.D., M.P.A., LL.M., Board Certified by The Florida Bar in Health Law

On March 16, 2016, Pennsylvania’s House of Representatives passed a measure that would legalize medical marijuana in certain forms. The vote was 149-43, with all voting Democrats and more than half of Republicans in support of the bill. The bill now moves onto the Senate, which has already approved an earlier version of the measure 10 months ago.

Growth in Medical Marijuana Programs.

In 2014, the Senate approved medical marijuana legislation, but stalled in committee and never reached a vote in the House. In 2015, […]

By The Health Law Firm|2024-03-14T10:02:02-04:00May 15, 2018|marijuana law, Marijuana Law Blog, Medical Marijuana|

Cities All Over Florida Prepare for Medical Marijuana, Even Altamonte Springs!

By George F. Indest III, J.D., M.P.A., LL.M., Board Certified by The Florida Bar in Health Law

Medical marijuana stores are one-step closer to being able to operate in Altamonte Springs as officials give initial green light to proposed ordinances. The city commission voted unanimously Tuesday evening in favor of the new city ordinances that would require medical marijuana businesses to secure licenses from the city. To learn more about medical marijuana legislation in Florida, click here.

Click here to read a copy of the city commission’s agenda from Tuesday.

Establishing Ground Rules.

Altamonte Springs city officials are looking to establish certain guidelines for future medical […]

By The Health Law Firm|2024-03-14T10:02:02-04:00May 15, 2018|marijuana law, Marijuana Law Blog, Medical Marijuana|

CRIMINAL LAW: Search and Seizure—Probable Cause for Search in Light of—Enactment of Medical Marijuana Law

The guest author of this article is Mark Rieber, Senior Attorney, National Legal Research Group.

In Commonwealth v. Canning, 28 N.E.3d 1156 (Mass. 2015), the court held as a matter of first impression that with the Commonwealth’s new medical marijuana law (“the Act”) in effect, if the police seek a warrant to search a property where they suspect an individual is cultivating or possesses marijuana, then they must first offer information sufficient to provide probable cause to believe that the individual is not properly registered under the Act to possess or cultivate the suspected substance. The court rejected the Commonwealth’s argument that any cultivation of marijuana remained illegal even under the Act. That argument further asserted that to […]

By The Health Law Firm|2024-03-14T10:01:05-04:00May 15, 2018|Health Law, Medical Marijuana, Search and Seizure|

Florida Physicians Allowed to “Recommend” But Not “Prescribe” Medical Marijuana for Patients

By George F. Indest III, J.D., M.P.A., LL.M., Board Certified by The Florida Bar in Health Law

Under the Compassionate Medical Cannabis Act of 2014, Florida patients suffering from cancer or a physical medical condition that produces chronic symptoms of seizures or severe and persistent muscles spasms can qualify for the use of low-THC cannabis.

To read the full legislative language of the Florida compassionate-use act, click here.

Florida has been preparing physicians to qualify patients for the use of medical marijuana for nearly a year. So far, only 42 doctors have completed the process for the medical marijuana program, which consists of passing an eight-hour continuing education course and […]

By The Health Law Firm|2024-03-14T10:02:01-04:00May 15, 2018|marijuana law, Marijuana Law Blog, Medical Marijuana|

Colorado Health Board Rejects Medical Marijuana Proposal for PTSD Treatment

By Carole C. Schriefer, R.N., J.D., The Health Law Firm

On July 15, 2015, the Colorado Board of Health denied a bid to approve medical marijuana as a treatment for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Colorado is known for pushing the boundaries with marijuana, but health officials rejected the idea that it can be an effective form of treatment for PTSD patients. The board voted against the recommendation of the state’s chief medical officer and marks the third time Colorado’s health officials have said ‘No’ to including PTSD on its marijuana approved list of uses.

Is Marijuana Medicine?

The Colorado Board of Health voted 6-2, to reject a petition for PTSD to be considered a […]

By The Health Law Firm|2024-03-14T10:02:01-04:00May 15, 2018|marijuana law, Marijuana Law Blog, Medical Marijuana|

Workers Can Be Fired For Using Marijuana Off-Duty

By Carole C. Schriefer, R.N., J.D., The Health Law Firm

Marijuana may be legal in Colorado, but you can still be fired for using it. Employers’ zero- tolerance drug policies trump Colorado’s medical marijuana laws, the Colorado Supreme Court ruled on Monday. In a 6-0 decision, the Supreme Court ruled that businesses can terminate an employee for the use of medical marijuana – even if it’s off-duty.

Coats v. Dish Network.

Brandon Coats became a quadriplegic after a car accident and has relied on medical marijuana to help with muscle spasms. Dish Network fired Coats after a failed drug test in 2010. “As a national employer, Dish remains committed to a drug-free workplace and […]

By The Health Law Firm|2024-03-14T10:02:01-04:00May 15, 2018|marijuana law, Marijuana Law Blog, Medical Marijuana|

“Eight Big Things to Watch” for Marijuana Policy in 2015-From Brookings Institution

By George F. Indest III, J.D., M.P.A., LL.M., Board Certified by the Florida Bar in Health Law

Marijuana policy has increasing developed through the years. Today, twenty-three states have legalized medical marijuana and four states have approved recreational marijuana, including DC. Below is a summary of The Brookings Institution article “Marijuana Policy in 2015: Eight Big Things to Watch.” During 2015, the country and foreign nations will see big changes involving marijuana policies.

1. New States are Planning and Preparing for Legal Marijuana

In November 2014, recreational marijuana was legalized in Oregon and Alaska. During 2015, state legislatures in their respective state and alcohol regulatory bodies will work side by side to […]

By The Health Law Firm|2024-03-14T10:02:01-04:00May 15, 2018|Marijuana Law Blog, Medical Marijuana|