Washington State University and the state Department of Health will start looking for ways to make medicinal marijuana available to the seriously ill, under strict controls, though two appropriations provided in this year’s operating budget.
The funding for the study came through the efforts of state Senators Jeanne Kohl (D-Seattle) and Bob McCaslin (R-Spokane). The two senators co-sponsored a bill (SB-6744) that was used as a model for the appropriations provided in this year’s budget.
The funds will be used by Washington State University, in conjunction with the state Board of Pharmacy, and the state Department of Health to conduct research on cultivating marijuana in a tamper-free environment. The study will also determine the appropriate organization to manufacture and distribute the drug for medical use.
The second appropriation will be used to fund a clinical study administered by the state Department of Health under the controlled substance abuse therapeutic program, in statute since 1979.
The study will be limited to patients under a physician’s care. Only patients receiving chemotherapy and/or radiation treatments, or suffering from glaucoma, AIDS or HIV related illnesses, multiple sclerosis, or other life threatening illnesses would qualify for the study.
Results of a statewide public-opinion poll directed by local political consultant Sharon Gilpin the weekend of March 2nd-3rd indicated that the public supports the use of marijuana for medicinal purposes. The statewide survey of 400 voters found that 75 percent favored making marijuana available for patients if prescribed by a doctor.
Gilpin said the results were a complete surprise. “I know the people in the Northwest tend to be compassionate, but the high number was totally unexpected,” she said. Gilpin said people who are concerned about the rising cost of health care are willing to look at alternatives to the high cost of fighting diseases such as AIDS and cancer.
“This is a great start that will lead to what we hope is a promising finish,” said Dr. David Edwards, an Olympia physician and medical coordinator for the Washington Hemp Education Network (WHEN), an agency working on informing the public of the potential benefits of medicinal marijuana. “I expect the results to have a positive effect in our effort to provide organic marijuana to patients under strict medical guidelines.”
Medical marijuana activist and founder of the Green Cross Cannabis Buyers Club, Joanna McKee, said she is confident the study will confirm what other tests have shown:the positive effects of medicinal marijuana. “The medical community is so focused on using chemicals to combat illness, they ignore a simple, organic solution that’s readily available,” she said. “This test will provide the answer to those who still question the effectiveness of THC.”
Sen. McCaslin said if the results of the state study on THC is similar to others conducted, organic marijuana could be a boon for the seriously ill. “It will not only aid them in their physical recovery, it could prove to be a psychological boost as well,” he said.
Kohl said the study is the first step towards getting needed medicine to those who desperately need it. “If the synthetic drug is not working for a patient, it only makes sense they should be able to have access to organic marijuana.”
Activists should be advised that the medicinal marijuana appropriations could potentially fall victim to a section-item veto by the governor. However, Sen. Kohl’s office tells NORML that she has been assured by the governor’s staff that he will not take such action.
For more information or for the latest status on the Washington state medical marijuana appropriations, please contact Sen. Jeanne Kohl’s office at (206) 285-1869 or the office of Sen. Bob McCaslin at (360) 786-7606.