Physicians seek more data, advice on medical marijuana

Twenty-three states and the District of Columbia have enacted laws that remove criminal sanctions for the medical use of marijuana, define eligibility for such use, and allow some means of access. Three more—Florida, Ohio and Pennsylvania—have pending medical marijuana legislation or scheduled ballot measures. More physicians are in favor of medical marijuana than are not, according to a recent WebMD/Medscape survey.

However, many questions remain, including how to train physicians to prescribe it, clearly defining which conditions and diseases it would benefit, and the overarching theme of what the negative consequences might be to society at large.

WebMD/Medscape surveyed 1,544 physicians and reported the following:

• 69% of respondents said medical marijuana can help with certain treatments and conditions

• 67% said it should be a medical option for patients

• 56% supported making it legal nationwide

• 52% of physicians in states considering new laws said it should be legal in their states

• 50% of physicians in states where it is not legal said it should be legal in their states

Source: Medical Practice Insider