FEATURE
Marijuana
for Medical
Purposes
Tell us what you think
of our draft policy
T
he College is consulting on a draft
policy that sets out expectations for
physicians who prescribe dried marijuana for medical purposes.
The draft policy reflects the new federal regulations that give physicians the responsibility for
the decision to authorize patient use of dried
marijuana for medical purposes.
The Marihuana for Medical Purposes Regulations
(MMPR) seek to treat dried marijuana as much as possible like other prescribed drugs. Under the regulations,
physicians can enable patients to access a legal supply
of dried marijuana by completing a medical document
that functions like a conventional prescription.
“Given the government’s changes, we have retained
very little of our current policy in this draft,” said Dr.
Marc Gabel, College President. “To assist us in the development of a draft that reflects a new regime, we have
done a literature review, held a preliminary consultation
and did public polling to ensure that we had something
relevant and reasonable to take into the next stage of
consultation.”
“We ask that physicians review this draft and let us
know if it will help them provide the best care possible
for their patients,” said Dr. Gabel. “And if it doesn’t
provide the necessary guidance, then please let us know
what needs to change.”
The Marijuana for Medical Purposes draft policy
does not endorse or prohibit the medical use of dried
marijuana, but does remind physicians to practise
within the limits of their knowledge, skills and judgment and never provide care that is beyond the scope of
their clinical competence.
DIALOGUE • Issue 3, 2014
9