CONCORD, N.H. (AP) - Patients with chronic pain and post-traumatic stress disorder are asking lawmakers to make it easier for them to obtain medical marijuana, arguing that it’s a better treatment than opioids.
“Anybody that has ever suffered from pain and had to have taken opioids would understand it’s not something you want to do,” said Stephen Boulter, a North Conway resident who told lawmakers he uses medical marijuana for chronic pain from a back injury.
A House committee took testimony on five bills Wednesday that would expand who can qualify for medical marijuana under a state law that took effect last year. The bills would add chronic pain, opioid addiction, post-traumatic stress disorder, fibromyalgia and myelitis disorder to the list of qualifications. Supporters say medical marijuana has proved to be an effective treatment for these diseases and can prevent people from getting hooked on addictive opioids.
But doctors and public health advocates who spoke out against the bills said they could have unintended consequences. They expressed particular concern over the bill to add opioid addiction as a qualifying condition, noting there is little scientific evidence to prove marijuana is an effective treatment for opioid addiction.
New Hampshire has the strictest marijuana laws in New England and launched its medical marijuana program only last year. More than 2,000 people qualified for medical marijuana last year, the state said. They can purchase marijuana at four dispensaries across the state.
The state law includes a list of specific conditions, such as cancer or glaucoma, that qualify someone for medical marijuana. Exhibiting a symptom such as chronic pain alone, without an accompanying condition, isn’t enough to qualify. Joe LaChance, a former Republican representative and veteran, also argued that marijuana has been a lifesaver in helping him deal with PTSD.
But Dr. Molly Rossignol, an addiction specialist, warned committee members that not enough evidence exists to suggest medical marijuana is an effective substitute for opioids. She said many patients suffering from opioid addiction also overuse tobacco or marijuana.
“It is clear that cannabis is not helping them reduce or stop their use of opioids,” she said.
She and other opponents suggested that the state’s Therapeutic Cannabis Advisory Council review the legislation before it goes forward.
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This story has been corrected to show that testimony was heard on Wednesday, not Tuesday.
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