Malayil doesn ’ t advocate for or against using medical marijuana , but he is interested in future research on using it for pain management .
“ In the medical community , we definitely need to know more ,” he says .
Malayil believes patients have a right to use medical marijuana , but at this time , he is undecided as to whether or not he will participate in the medical cannabis program . As a physician who prescribes the controlled substances allowed under his U . S . Drug Enforcement Administration license , he is unsure of the consequences there might be if he recommends a patient use a drug the federal government still considers illegal .
“ I ’ m not going to prescribe both opiates and marijuana at the same time ,” he says . “ Patients would have to see if one works better than the other and then make a choice . If they feel like the medical cannabis is better , then I would say choose that . If not , then they could stay on the opiate if that is needed .”
Another unknown is how the program will determine recreational versus medicinal uses of marijuana during drug screenings , which are a regular part of being prescribed a controlled substance .
“ When we do drug screens , we do a test for illicit substances . If a patient is using marijuana even medicinally , it is still going to show up as an illicit substance ,” says Malayil . “ How do we know if someone is using it as a pill or smoking it recreationally ? We cannot really make that determination .”
While these questions remain unanswered for now , proponents of the medical cannabis program believe the industry
will also boost the state ’ s economy .
“ The production of medical cannabis is a labor-intensive process that will require the hiring of a large labor force ,” says Frame . “ Beyond direct employment , there will be economic benefits in the areas of construction , security services , technology and transportation .”
The state has taken measures to see that the marijuana grown to be used medicinally isn ’ t diverted for recreational use .
“ Beyond the extensive physical security measures in place at each facility , all cannabis material will be tracked by an electronic seed to sale system ,” says Frame . “ The use of this system is mandated by the OMC . Each seed or plant cutting will receive an RFID tag , which will follow these materials and those derived from that plant throughout the supply chain . Only cannabis materials with a valid tag can move through and be sold by permitted facilities . The OMC investigators will be in the field to verify compliance .”
Out of 44 applications from growers and 41 applications for processors , the state chose 10 of each according to their grades on a numerical scale based on security , diversion prevention , transportation methods and record-keeping in November 2020 . The state will also choose medical marijuana dispensaries based on a numerical scoring system similar to growers and processors . It will also consider geographic locations that allow adequate patient access .
“ The industry will provide a new source of jobs , along with economic benefits throughout the state ,” says Frame . •
Congratulations
for being recognized in West Virginia Executive ’ s 2021 Heath Care Hall of Fame .
Timothy Deer , M . D .
President and CEO , The Spine and Nerve Center of the Virginias
Joan Phillips , M . D ., FAAP
Co-Medical Director , Children ’ s Advocacy Center
Chris Zinn
Executive Director , Hospice Council of West Virginia
“ Thank you for helping alleviate pain across the Mountain State .”
- David A . Clayman , Ph . D ., Owner & Director Inaugural Member , Health Care Hall of Fame
WWW . WVEXECUTIVE . COM WINTER 2021 73