How physicians became the gatekeepers between cannabis and the public and how physicians should approach cannabis as a form of treatment
By: Jacqueline Bain
The Federal Government lists marijuana as a “Schedule I” controlled substance, meaning it has a high potential for abuse and no currently accepted medical use. 21 USC § 812(b)(1). Because there is no current accepted medical use, Federal law prohibits physician from issuing prescriptions for marijuana. 21 CFR § 1306.04(a). However, the Federal Government has traditionally deferred to the States to prosecute small-scale marijuana violations. This lack of Federal enforcement has encouraged the States to enact less stringent controls on the marijuana industry.Continue reading
