A Maryland lawmaker wants to curb the state’s opioid crisis with the help of medical marijuana.
Delegate Cheryl Glenn, D-Baltimore City, has pre-filed a bill in the statehouse that would allow doctors to recommend cannabis therapy to patients who are dealing with opioid abuse and addiction.
Glenn said the measure looks to improve upon Maryland’s existing medical cannabis program.
“We all understand the problems that exist right now with opioid abuse issues,” she said.
According to the latest figures from the Maryland Department of Health, opioid-related deaths in Maryland, during the first six months of the year, totaled 1,185. That number has increased each of the last eight years during the same respective time-period.
“I want to be able to provide patients who are in need, anything that can help them with their health issues and we know that medical marijuana should be on the table,” she said. “It's another tool in the tool belt."
Currently, under Maryland’s medical cannabis guidelines, qualifying medical conditions for a patient interested in medical cannabis therapy include anorexia, severe or chronic pain, seizures, glaucoma and post-traumatic stress disorder.
However, opioid addiction is not included on that list.