California Governor Signs Bill to Protect Medical Marijuana Patients from Health Care Discrimination

California Governor Gavin Newsom signed another marijuana reform bill, one of which provides protection for medical marijuana patients from health care discrimination. The legislation states that a physician cannot discriminate against a patient by refusing medication or treatment that tests positive for THC if the person is a registered medical marijuana patient in the state, while medical professionals cannot be penalized for treating patients who use medical marijuana in accordance with state law. Many doctors mistakenly believe they cannot prescribe medication to patients who test positive for marijuana," California NORML Director Dale Gieringer said in a press release. "Physician Larry Bedard added, "It is irresponsible and unethical to eliminate pain management programs for patients who use medical marijuana to treat chronic pain when there is solid scientific evidence that marijuana is a safe and effective treatment for chronic pain." The second bill Newsom signed before Labor Day weekend would amend current law to allow registered patients to use medical marijuana products in hospitals.

Information source: mjbizdaily.com/