Changes in Medical Marijuana Laws Could Impact Mesothelioma Patients

California mesothelioma patients who rely on medical marijuana to help manage their symptoms or support their treatment may find the product even safer if the governor signs a proposed new law.

The law would set new standards for how medical cannabis products are manufactured in the state, requiring that medical marijuana be processed without solvents or with nonflammable, nontoxic solvents.

Mesothelioma Patients May Be Affected

The bill, which is supported by California’s cannabis industry, would impact people like Californian and pleural mesothelioma patient Andy Ashcraft and his wife Ruth. The Ashcraft’s added cannabis oil to Andy’s daily healthy-living protocol after conventional treatments failed to shrink his mesothelioma tumor.

Like many mesothelioma patients, Ashcraft was exposed to asbestos in his workplace, a home improvement store where he regularly handled asbestos-containing products. Ashcraft was diagnosed with malignant mesothelioma in 2010.

On a daily dose of one gram of cannabis oil, which contains a mixture of the active ingredients cannabidiol (CBD) and tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), Andy’s mesothelioma has remained in check.

Regulating Medical Marijuana

Although the use of marijuana for medical purposes has not been legalized at the federal level, it has been used for centuries as an alternative treatment for a wide variety of conditions, including cancers like malignant mesothelioma.

Fortunately for mesothelioma patients who wish to try medical marijuana for themselves, a growing number of states have approved various derivatives of the plant. As the industry grows, some states like California have taken action to help protect consumers from a product that is not regulated by the FDA.

Stricter Laws May Inhibit Marijuana Access

While California mesothelioma patients may enjoy an additional level of safety in their medical marijuana products, people battling mesothelioma in Montana may not be as fortunate.

The Cannabist is reporting that many medical marijuana dispensaries in the state have been forced to close because of new restrictions that limit them to just three patients apiece. The restrictions are estimated to leave as many as 12,000 registered patients without legal access to medical marijuana.

Right now, 25 states and the District of Columbia allow the use of marijuana in the treatment of medical conditions such as malignant mesothelioma.

The information in this article is not a substitute for professional medical advice, examination, diagnosis or treatment. You should always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health professional before starting any new treatment or making any changes to an existing treatment. You should not delay in seeking or disregard medical advice based on information in this article.  Cannabis oil is NOT FDA approved for the treatment of any cancer.

Sources:

McGreevy, Patrick, “New processing standard for medical marijuana would be set under bill sent to governor”, August 31, 2016, Los Angeles Times website
Volz, Matt, “Montana dispensaries close under strict new rules”, The Cannabist, August 31, 2016