Wednesday, February 26, 2025 the Massachusetts Health Policy held a Virtual Forum entitled, “Medical Cannabis: Time to Act.”
The therapeutic benefits of medical cannabis are increasingly recognized. However, the lack of clear, evidence-based prescribing guidelines leaves many patients and healthcare providers uncertain about dosing, administration, and monitoring. This uncertainty raises concerns about potential dependence, drug interactions, and challenges in selecting the most appropriate products for therapeutic use. The imminent rescheduling of cannabis to Schedule III requires a new patient-centric clinical framework for an already widely used drug, with 40% of cancer patients, 21% of older adults, and 13% of primary care patients currently self-medicating with cannabis for symptom relief without clinical guidance.
The state’s current regulatory framework, summarized research on medical cannabis efficacy, and overviews of public health education, product quality and testing, and surveillance of medical cannabis were provided. An interactive panel comprising public health leaders, providers, and a cancer survivor discussed vital stakeholder responsibilities for clinicians, health plans, and policy makers to provide safe, effective, and accessible care.
This forum was supported by funding from Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts, Baystate Health and EO Care.
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