Contact: Richard P. Gulla
781-434-7101
rgulla@mms.org
Statement of Richard V. Aghababian, MD, president of the
Massachusetts Medical Society, following the release of proposed
regulations for the medical marijuana law:
"The Department of Public Health has done a thoughtful and
responsible job with a difficult task in proposing regulations to
implement the medical marijuana law. The regulations take into account
many of our major concerns, especially those relative to definitions of
the physician-patient relationship, qualifying patient, and certifying
physician. DPH has also narrowed the boundaries of medical
conditions and allowed for physician judgment in determining what
conditions may qualify for medical marijuana, and has included use of
the Prescription Monitoring Program in certifying patients.
"The Medical Society, which still advocates that clinical research
needs to be conducted to show the safety and effectiveness of marijuana
as medicine, will continue its detailed review of the proposed
regulations to provide specific responses and recommendations at
the upcoming public hearings."
The Massachusetts Medical Society, with more than 24,000
physicians and student members, is dedicated to educating and advocating
for the patients and physicians of Massachusetts. The Society publishes
The New England Journal of Medicine, one of the world’s leading
medical journals; the Journal Watch family of professional newsletters
covering 11 specialties; and AIDS Clinical Care. The Society is also a
leader in continuing medical education for health care professionals
throughout Massachusetts, conducting a variety of medical education
programs for physicians and health care professionals. Founded in 1781,
MMS is the oldest continuously operating medical society in the
country.
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