As of 2017, twenty-nine states and the District of Columbia have passed laws to allow cannabis in some form to be used for medicinal purposes. More states will be voting on the issue in the upcoming year.
California is always a leader in voter’s rights and new amendments in the U.S., and the controversy about concerning the use of medical marijuana for medical treatment is no different. Policymakers and community leaders in California are preparing for the effects of implementing the Medicinal and Adult-Use Cannabis Regulation and Safety Act or MAUCRSA in August.
On August 26, West Hollywood hosted the third-annual Cannabis Education Forum – The Future of Policy, which is a community meeting held at the West Hollywood Library. It is designed to inform community leaders and members on the stipulations involved in MAUCRSA. The Act was passed in June and will be the governing body of the use of medical marijuana within the California State Legislature. MAUCRSA is now the legal foundation for regulated cannabis in California, and will likely be the model used for the remaining United States who adopt the legalization of medical marijuana.
This event provided an excellent opportunity for business leaders and cannabis advocates to be informed, share information among themselves and prepare to open the topic to the community. Councilmember Lindsey Horvath stated that the Cannabis Education Forum made it possible for West Hollywood residents and businesses to make plans concerning the challenges and changes that will occur.
Other political leaders including Tim Schaefer, Deputy State Treasurer and John Chiang, California State Treasurer, provided an update on the Cannabis Banking Working Group. This is an entity that consists of law enforcement, regulators, taxing authorities and banks that led a forum of discussions and presentations on future businesses that focus on cannabis. The Trailblazer Award was given to Bruce Margolin who has honored the mission by fighting for cannabis legislature and its reform for over 50 years.
Using Marijuana for Medical Treatment
Currently, THC and CBD are the two cannabinoids from the marijuana plant that are the most researched. Both cannabinoids are being studied to determine their effects, and how they would be the most beneficial.
Today, their major advantages are to support the immune system and other disease-related issues, such as decreasing pain and inflammation, controlling seizures, improving mental and substance disorders, treating HIV/AIDS and Multiple Sclerosis or MS, which is a disease of the muscles and very difficult to treat.
This event provided important information to the public and the business community in order to prepare for the introduction of cannabis for sale and was held in the City Council Chambers/Public Meeting Room of the West Hollywood Library. For more information, please contact the City of West Hollywood at www.drugabuse.gov/publications/drugfacts/marijuana-medicine.