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Missouri Cannabis Education
How Can Parents Best Advocate for Their
Child ’ s Medical Cannabis Treatment ?
Part 3 of 3 by Leah Maurer , contributing writer
Leah
Leah Maurer , a native Missourian , is now a canna-journalist and activist living in Portland , OR . She is a co-owner of www . TheWeedBlog . com , a top national cannabis news and information publication , where she serves as the Editorial Lead . In 2014 , Leah founded Moms for YES on Measure 91 through grassroots efforts alone , it proved pivotal in the passage of the Measure , successfully legalizing recreational / adult-use cannabis in the OR . Leah is a social justice and cannabis activist at the core and hopes to see an end to the prohibition of cannabis globally .
12 August 2024
In recent years , medical cannabis cannabis has emerged as a promising treatment option for various conditions affecting children , such as epilepsy , autism spectrum disorders , and severe chronic pain ( to name a few ). Despite its potential benefits , the use of medical cannabis in pediatric care is often fraught with legal , social , and medical challenges . Even in states such as Missouri , where there were medical permissions and now adult-use legalization , parents of children who require this treatment must navigate a complex landscape to ensure their children receive the care they need . While I am not a lawyer , nor should this be taken as legal advice , this article provides a short guide for parents to advocate effectively for themselves and their families .
The first step in advocating for your child is understanding the legal status of medical cannabis in Missouri . Parents can familiarize themselves with the specific regulations and requirements , including knowing what conditions qualify for medical cannabis , how to obtain a medical cannabis card , and the legal limits on possession and use .
In Missouri , certain medical conditions qualify children for medical marijuana use under state law . Cancer , epilepsy , and terminal illness are a few that qualify . The state also recognizes chronic medical conditions that are normally treated with a prescription medication that could lead to dependence , where medical marijuana could be an effective alternative , as well as chronic medical conditions that are both severe and intractable , for which other treatments have proven ineffective . Parents or legal guardians of minors must serve as their caregivers and apply on their behalf to obtain a medical marijuana card for their child . The application process includes providing medical records and a physician ’ s certification confirming the qualifying condition . Although it can be costly , parents can also consider consulting with an attorney who specializes in medical cannabis laws . They can provide personalized guidance and help navigate any legal obstacles parents might encounter .
Additionally , having a supportive and knowledgeable medical team is crucial . The team typically includes your child ’ s primary care physician , a specialist knowledgeable in your child ’ s condition , and a medical cannabis expert . This requires seeking out doctors who are open to and knowledgeable about medical cannabis , which might involve some research and asking for recommendations from support groups or online communities . Depending on the situation , parents may also want to ensure that all healthcare providers involved in the child ’ s care are in communication with each other , which helps facilitate a coordinated approach to treatment .
Children who use medical cannabis may face challenges within the school system , including stigma , legal concerns , and logistical issues related to administering the medication . Depending on the school district and the medical team you are working with , it may work to meet with school administrators and the school nurse to discuss your child ’ s medical needs . If you choose to do so and have researched your rights as a medical marijuana caregiver , provide the school with relevant medical documentation and a clear plan . While the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act ( IDEA ) and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act provide robust protections for children with disabilities , the use of medical marijuana presents unique challenges . Parents must navigate these challenges carefully , balancing federal and state laws with their child ’ s educational needs and rights . While states like Missouri have legalized medical marijuana , it remains illegal at the federal level , creating a legal gray area for schools . Some states have enacted specific laws or policies addressing the use of medical