Medical Society Wants Regulations for Medical Marijuana

The Massachusetts Medical Society is calling on the state to develop a clear set of regulations and guidelines for implementation of medical marijuana in the state.

A ballot question approved by voters last month will allow doctors to recommend marijuana for patients with certain conditions, including cancer, AIDS and glaucoma. The law would establish up to 35 nonprofit marijuana dispensaries around the state.

The medical society, which represents about 24,000 Massachusetts physicians, is promising to work with the state Department of Public Health and Board of Registration in Medicine to establish rules for doctors.

The organization, which opposed the ballot question, said it would advocate that marijuana registration cards only be provided after a determination is made that a patient's pain or symptoms cannot be treated with conventional therapies.  (Associated Press)