DEA cites federal law violation
The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) has issued a warning to Georgia, advising the state to reconsider its plan to become the first in the country to allow pharmacies to distribute medical marijuana. DEA officials have stated that dispensing medical marijuana would be in violation of federal law.
Federal ban overrides state law
Despite state law allowing pharmacies to sell medical marijuana products, the Georgia Access to Medical Cannabis Commission has stated that it cannot override the federal ban. The commission oversees the state’s medical marijuana industry.
Pharmacies look to provide consultations for medical cannabis
The Georgia Board of Pharmacy has already begun accepting applications from pharmacies to dispense marijuana products. Licenses have been issued to 23 independent pharmacies in the state. The goal is to allow pharmacists to provide consultations for medical cannabis products, similar to other medication.
DEA memo highlights federal restrictions
In a memo sent to pharmacies, the DEA emphasized that none of them can legally possess, handle, or dispense marijuana or related products containing more than 0.3% tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the psychoactive chemical that produces a high. Products derived from a cannabis plant with a THC content above 0.3% are considered illegal under federal drug law.
Georgia’s unique situation
While Georgia permits patients with certain illnesses and physician approval to possess and consume low-THC medical cannabis products, there has been no legal way for them to purchase the product within the state. The state law allows patients to buy medical marijuana products with up to 5% THC, whereas recreational marijuana typically has a higher THC level.
Pharmacists advocate for equal treatment
Pharmacist Ira Katz of Little Five Points Pharmacy in Atlanta believes that pharmacies should be allowed to dispense marijuana products, just like marijuana dispensaries. Katz argues that it doesn’t make sense for people to have access to marijuana through dispensaries but not through pharmacies. He acknowledges that federal law trumps state law but believes that the DEA’s stance will negatively impact patients who rely on medical cannabis.
Potential change in DEA stance
The DEA’s stance on medical marijuana could potentially change if a recent proposal to ease restrictions on marijuana moves forward. In August, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services proposed reclassifying marijuana as a lower-risk Schedule III drug, removing it from the banned list of Schedule I substances.
Sources:
– The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
– Smart Approaches to Marijuana
– National Conference of State Legislatures
– WXIA-TV
– U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
