As the Federal government aims to reduce opioid abuse and overdose, the Drug Enforcement Administration has announced lower quotas for opioid production. In a similar vein, the DEA has recommended higher production quotes for cannabis that is used for Federal research purposes.
At Access Marijuana RX, our experienced, caring physicians want to help you determine if you are a) eligible for cannabis in this state and b) if cannabis may be the right way to reduce your dependence on pain medications for your health condition. We have lots of experience in this area. To learn more, please call our staff in St. Petersburg at 727-209-5470.
DEA Sets Opioid Reduction Goals
Each year, the DEA establishes production quotas for Schedule 1 and 2 controlled substances in the United States. According to various media outlets, the DEA’s 2019 quota for marijuana produced for research is more than five times the quota for 2018 (5,400 pounds vs. 1,000 pounds, respectively). Note that this is not marijuana produced for medical or recreational purposes – those uses remain prohibited in the eyes of the Federal government. The DEA is asking for more marijuana grown specifically so that scientists can research the drug.
For the third year in a row, the DEA is setting a reduced quota for the six most-abused opioids:
- Oxycodone
- Hydrocodone
- Fentanyl
- Morphine
- Hydromorphone
- Oxymorphone
The DEA seeks to reduce production of these drugs by 10 percent in 2019. This is part of the Administration and Federal government’s goals to reduce opioid misuse and overdose deaths by cutting prescription rates.
What This May Mean for Medical Cannabis
In our practice, we have seen first-hand that cannabis can help certain patients reduce their use of opioid-based medications. It doesn’t apply to everyone, and you must consult your personal doctor about what is right for your health plan. DO NOT stop taking any of your current medications before consulting with your doctor. But we have seen this work successfully for some people.
At the same time as the DEA increasing a cannabis quota, the Medical Cannabis Research Act of 2018 is making its way through Congress. This is a developing story, but the bill would allow more licenses for growing marijuana for research purposes. Currently, and since the late 1960s, the University of Mississippi holds the ONLY Federal license to grow marijuana in the US for research purposes. That institution grows all of the marijuana related to the DEA’s quota. This new bill would allow more cultivators, which would be a positive step forward in the medical cannabis industry. We will update our blog as the bill progresses. It has unanimously passed the House Judiciary Committee.
Find Out If You Are Eligible for a Marijuana Card in Florida
At Access Marijuana RX, our experienced physicians are qualified to determine your candidacy for medical cannabis in Florida. To arrange your evaluation, please call our staff at 727-209-5470. Our comfortable, modern office is located in St. Petersburg, and we proudly provide evaluations for people from across the state, including Tampa and the surrounding areas.
Sources:
https://hightimes.com/news/dea-pushing-increase-cannabis-growth-reduce-opioid-prescriptions