Health & Fitness
Major changes to the Medical Cannabis Program
Alternative to Opioids Act removes the Fingerprint application requirement
[Champaign, IL September 9, 2018] Confirmed by numerous reports, medical cannabis is reducing opioid use. The Alternative to Opioids Act (SB336) will allow persons with a prescription for opioids (or who qualify for a prescription) the opportunity to access the Illinois Medical Cannabis Program. Key Provisions to SB336
The Medical Cannabis Community and your local dispensary, Phoenix Botanical are demystifying cannabis with educational events focused on the medical benefits.
Join us for “Back to School Medical Canna-Education & Awareness Class”
Find out what's happening in Champaignfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
This FREE program explains the safety, benefits, science, dosing protocols and how to access in Illinois.
Tuesday, September 25, 7 p.m.
Find out what's happening in Champaignfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
Champaign Public Library
200 W. Green St.
Register:
“The misconceptions about cannabis are preventing our recovery from the opioid epidemic. We have plenty of data that documents the safety and effectiveness of medical cannabis, but we need the support of everyone, especially the voters” said Kirsten Velasco, Education Outreach Manager with The Medical Cannabis Community
“More awareness means more health benefits for everyone, not just those with severe chronic conditions. When more people learn the safety, benefits and improvements to the program it will encourage others to consider adding medical cannabis as a complimentary therapy”
The deadline for implementing this new access option is December 1st, but a few changes took place immediately. Most importantly, applicants will no longer be required to do a digital fingerprint/FBI background check. This requirement was discriminatory (excluded those with specific criminal history), expensive and inconvenient.
Velasco has conducted over 100 educational events throughout Illinois and is amazed at the legislative developments both federally and locally. In Illinois, sales of medical cannabis renewed in late 2015 and about 44,000 residents of Illinois now have legal access. Program Updates “Awareness and acceptance is desperately low, however, the devastation of opioid addiction, veteran suicides and accidental overdose deaths are driving interest in this safe alternative to dangerous, addictive narcotics,” Velasco said.
The Medical Cannabis Community was formed to address the particular challenges unique to medical cannabis. By building a digital community for safe exploration, with shared experience and knowledge, patients and their loved ones gain confidence in this choice of complimentary therapy. Our integrated approach to community development, educational content and market research provides customized outreach solutions designed to bring people together in a meaningful way.