California continues to mature its cannabis market through new legislation
Over the past few months, California has experienced big and important moves related to its marijuana industry. There are more and more policy changes in what seems to be the search for an ideal market for all interested parties. The latest to benefit from the enactment of AB 1954 were medical cannabis patients. They will now be able to enjoy greater protection against discrimination.
Earlier this year, Bill Quirk, a member of the California Assembly, unveiled this legislation. With bipartisan support, the measure was previously passed by the state legislature. Now, Governor Gavin Newsom’s signature came through without a hitch late last week.
Having passed all the necessary filters, the new law removes the power of both physicians and surgeons to deny treatment or medication to a qualified medical patient based simply on a positive drug test for tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) or any report evidencing the use of medical marijuana. This will mean that a large database of these patients will now not be discriminated against solely because he or she is an active user of the drug for medicinal purposes.
As a result, from now on, a case-by-case evaluation will be required. This includes a determination of whether the use of medical marijuana is medically significant to the treatment or medication in question.
Health care professionals will also gain some protection thanks to the Assembly bill. Specialists need not be penalized or denied any rights for administering treatment or medication to a qualified patient. It is definitely a win-win for the entire healthcare community and its patients.