The issue
Medical cannabis has well-documented analgesic properties that make it an effective medicine to treat many cases of chronic pain. It is an especially important option for patients for have found traditional pain relief options ineffective, and it may have fewer side effects and risks than some traditional medications.
The problem
A total of 29 states, plus the District of Columbia, Guam and Puerto Rico, have medical marijuana and cannabis programs, but it may only be available to certain, highly specific patient populations, not necessarily all those who have chronic pain.
Our position: Support
We believe people with chronic illness and pain should have access to all safe, effective treatments, including medical cannabis. Read our full position statement here.
Even The New England Journal of Medicine endorses medical marijuana for the treatment of severe chronic pain.
Examples of U.S. Pain’s efforts
- U.S. Pain Foundation Supports Senate Bill 2794 – Nov. 21, 2016 letter of support to the New Jersey Senate Health, Human Services and Senior Citizens Committee
- Looking Ahead: U.S. Pain Foundation to Continue Prioritizing Medical Marijuana in 2017 – National Pain Report Nov. 17, 2016 article by Shaina Smith
- Ellen Lenox Smith: Medical marijuana has made me productive citizen – Providence Journal Jan. 11, 2016 op-ed by Ellen Lenox Smith
Resources
- “Dr. Sanjay Gupta: It’s time for a medical marijuana revolution” – CNN
- “Medical Marijuana” – Drug Policy Alliance
- “FDA and marijuana” – U.S. Food and Drug Administration