Conditions for Medical Use of Marijuana in Poland – Aspects of Administrative Law

BackgroundDriving performance involves multiple underlying components of psychomotor functioning, such as attention, executive functions, and vehicle control. While the effects of acute medical marijuana and prescription opioid intoxication are known, how long-term use of medical marijuana under real-world conditions affects driving performance is unknown. Additionally, there are numerous ongoing physical and cognitive changes that affect driving performance with age. Given the proliferation of medical marijuana and prescription opioid use in adults aged 50 years and older, the prevalence of polypharmacy, and declining functional abilities, it is imperative to understand the long-term effects of daily medical marijuana use. Further, we need to understand how co-occurring use of medical marijuana and prescription opioids, in the presence of comorbidities such as chronic pain, affects real-world driving outcomes.ObjectiveThis study aims to document the observational trial protocol. The primary goal of this study is to identify the effects of daily long-term (ie, use for >12 months daily or most days of the week) medical marijuana use on driving performance outcomes using an open-road driving performance task under real-world conditions in adults aged 50 years and older who endorse chronic or severe nonmalignant pain and to examine the combined effect of daily long-term medical marijuana use and prescription opioid use on driving outcomes. A secondary goal is to qualitatively explore self-regulation of medical marijuana and prescription opioid use in this population.MethodsWe plan to test medical marijuana use as the exposure variable in adults aged 50 years and older on an open-road driving task performance as the primary outcome. The study will detail tetrahydrocannabinol exposure through ecological momentary assessment and urinalysis and will compare performance with a race-sex–matched group of non–marijuana users.ResultsThis study is funded by a grant from the National Institute on Drug Abuse (5R01DA057965). Recruitment began on May 19, 2025. As of November 2025, a total of 30 participants had been enrolled. Recruitment is anticipated to be completed by 2029. Publication of the complete results and data from this study is expected by 2030.ConclusionsData from this study will identify the effects of long-term medical marijuana use and the combined effect of that use with prescription opioids to develop risk screening protocols and intervention targets for this population. The development and dissemination of screening and intervention guidelines will be the next step in this work.Trial RegistrationClinicalTrials.gov NCT06995937; https://www.clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT06995937International Registered Report Identifier (IRRID)DERR1-10.2196/77944

Since the criminalization of the use of marijuana in Poland, introduced in 1985, various controversies and understatements have been taking place, as a result of which it was punishable to use this substance also for medical purposes. Th subject of the article is the analysis and assessment of administrative and legal solutions adopted by the legislator, in particular changes from November 1, 2017, formally permitting the legal marketing of marijuana as a pharmaceutical raw material, as well as its use in the treatment and alleviation of symptoms accompanying specific diseases. Th issues discussed were presented on the basis of European law, current legal regulations contained, among others, in the Pharmaceutical act of September 6, 2001, and in the act on counteracting Drug addiction of July 25, 2005, as well as regulations issued on their basis. In the final part of the article, de lege lata, proposals of factual and legal solutions are presented, aimed at actually facilitating the medical use of marijuana to patients.

Medical Marijuana Use Among Adolescents in Substance Abuse Treatment

Given that 29 U.S. states now have laws allowing medical marijuana use, this study examined mental and physical health correlates of medical versus nonmedical marijuana use among three age groups of adults (18-29, 30-49, and 50+). Data came from the 2012-2013 National Epidemiologic Survey on Alcohol and Related Conditions (N = 36,309 respondents aged 18+). Logistic regression models were used to examine age group differences in associations of substance use and mental disorders and health conditions with medical versus nonmedical marijuana use. Of all respondents, 9.74% (N = 3,784) reported past-year marijuana use. Of all past-year marijuana users, 11.03% (n = 445) reported medical use. Medical marijuana use rates were higher among the 50-64 age group (17.95%) than younger adults, and 32.88% of medical users, compared to 25.25% of nonmedical users, had past-year marijuana use disorder. The odds of medical marijuana use were higher among those with marijuana use disorder (OR = 1.87, 95% CI = 1.40-2.50) and personality disorder (OR = 1.42, 95% CI = 1.03-1.94), with no age group differences. However, older adults with alcohol use disorder and sleep problems and middle-age adults with arthritis had diminished odds of having used medical marijuana relative to young adults. Given the high rates of marijuana use disorder among medical users, physicians should exercise caution in recommending marijuana for medical purposes, especially for younger adults. More research is needed on medical marijuana's safety and efficacy for patients at risk of marijuana use disorder. (Am J Addict 2017;26:697-706).

From Pot to Prescription: The Long, Strange Trip of Medical Marijuana

1.36 Impact of Marijuana Legislation on Marijuana- and Cannabidiol-Related Attitudes, Perceptions, and Behaviors Among Adolescents Receiving Mood Disorder Treatment in the United States and Their Parents

The policies, laws, politics, public opinions, and scientific inferences of medical marijuana are rapidly changing as the debate on medical use of marijuana has always been political, rather than scientific. Federal law has barred the use of medical marijuana though 18 state governments and Washington, DC, support the medical use of marijuana. Unfortunately, not many studies exist on medical marijuana to back these laws and policies. The judiciary, on the other hand, has elicited a diverse response to medical marijuana through its rulings over several decades. Some rulings favored the federal government's opinion, and others supported the larger public view and many state governments with legalized medical marijuana. Public opinion on legalizing medical marijuana has always favored the use of medical marijuana. The movement of scientific knowledge of medical marijuana follows an erratic, discontinuous pathway. The future place of medical marijuana in U.S. society remains unknown. The three forces—scientific knowledge, social-political acceptance, and laws—play a role in the direction that medical marijuana takes in society. Overcoming political-social forces requires a concerted effort from the scientific community and political leaders. The results of scientific research must guide the decisions for laws and medical use of marijuana. This article aims to trace the political dilemma and contradictory views shared by federal and state governments and predict the future of medical marijuana by tracing the past history of medical marijuana with its bumpy pathway in the social-political arena.

Marijuana in the Workplace: Guidance for Occupational Health Professionals and Employers: Joint Guidance Statement of the American Association of Occupational Health Nurses and the American College of Occupational and Environmental Medicine.

Despite federal prohibition of medical marijuana possession, sale, and use, marijuana use continues to escalate as state legalization persists and expands. The purpose of this discussion is to provide a brief summary of the evidence regarding both potential benefits and risks of medical marijuana use.

Trends in and correlates of medical marijuana use among adults in the United States

Marijuana use among individuals aged 50+ has steadily increased over the past decade, with 8% reporting past-year use in 2018. National epidemiologic data also showed a 36% rate of past-year prescription pain reliever (PPNR) use in the 50+ age group in 2018, a decrease from 40% in 2015, but still significantly higher than for younger age groups. Little research has, however, focused on older adults’ dual recreational and/or medical marijuana and PPNR use. This study, based on the 2015-2018 National Survey of Drug Use and Health, examined rates and correlates of dual marijuana and PPNR use and misuse among those aged 50+ who reported past-year marijuana use (N=2,632). Our findings showed that 43.6% of past-year marijuana users did not use any PPNR, 47.1% used PPNR but did not misuse, and 9.4% misused PPNR in the past year, showing that one in six dual marijuana and PPNR users reported misusing PPNR. The risks of PPNR use/no misuse and PPNR misuse were higher among those who had more chronic medical conditions and major depressive episode. Additionally, the risk of PPNR use/no misuse was associated with high frequency and medical marijuana use; and the risk of PPNR misuse was associated with younger marijuana initiation age and marijuana and other illicit drug use disorders. Thus, correlates of dual marijuana and PPNR use/misuse among older adults are poor physical and mental health problems and problematic marijuana use. Older adults with marijuana and PPNR misuse need access to evidence-based treatments for pain management and substance misuse.

In most countries marijuana is regulated by the Single Convention on Narcotic Drugs. In Japan marijuana use is illegal under the Marijuana Control Law. In USA, marijuana is also classified as a schedule I drug, which is the most stringent regulation category under federal law. On the other hand, California became the first state to legalize marijuana for medical uses in 1996. Since then, several other US states have approved marijuana for medical or recreational use. However, marijuana remains completely illegal in most states, while some allow only cannabidiol (CBD) extracted from marijuana for medical use. In June 2018, the US Food and Drug Administration approved Epidiolex, the first marijuana-derived drug, containing purified CBD, to treat certain rare childhood seizure syndromes. Therefore the situation surrounding control of marijuana in USA is complex. Recently, a definite trend toward reconsidering marijuana regulation has been seen around the world, which could have a major impact on marijuana policy in Japan. In this review, we investigated existing medical and recreational marijuana laws in various US states, with a focus on California, which approved recreational use in 2018. Here, we describe the current state of marijuana regulation in terms of both medical and recreational use. In addition, we discuss public safety issues associated with marijuana, including crime, traffic accidents, and emergency department visits from possible marijuana exposure, as well as generated tax revenues, from official marijuana-related reports in Colorado, which legalized marijuana use in 2012.

Medical marijuana is currently a contentious debatable issue. There are strong opponents and proponents opinions but relatively little scientific data on which to base medical decisions. Unfortunately, classifying marijuana as a Schedule I drug result in limiting research studies and only serves to fuel the debate. This position statement paper frames the opponents and proponents viewpoints toward medical use of marijuana, and support the cautious and compassionate use of medical marijuana to treat patients with debilitating medical conditions and symptoms who have failed to respond to other therapies. Based on the reviewed literature, the evidence demonstrates a connection between therapeutic use of marijuana and symptom relief. Thus, many patients, physicians, and researchers have voiced support for the use of medical marijuana. Health care providers should be educated toward the efficacy and safety of medical marijuana. Also, further research is needed to improve the knowledge of potential therapeutic benefits and health negative outcomes of marijuana.

Most US states have now legalized medical marijuana (MMJ) use, giving new hope to families dealing with chronic illness, despite only limited data showing efficacy. Access to MMJ has presented several challenges for patients and families, providers, and pediatric hospitals, including the discrepancy between state and federal law, potential patient safety issues, and drug interaction concerns. Colorado was one of the first states to legalize MMJ and has remained at the forefront in addressing these challenges. Children's Hospital Colorado has created and evolved its MMJ inpatient use policy and has developed a unique consultative service consisting of a clinical pharmacist and social worker. This service supports patients and families and primary clinical services in situations in which MMJ is actively being used or considered by a pediatric patient. The first 50 patients seen by this consultative service are reported. Eighty percent of patients seen had an oncologic diagnosis. Symptoms to be ameliorated by active or potential MMJ use included nausea and vomiting, appetite stimulation, seizures, and pain. In 64% of patients, MMJ use was determined to be potentially unsafe, most often because of potential drug-drug interactions. In 68% of patients, a recommendation was made to either avoid MMJ use or adjust its administration schedule. As pediatric hospitals address the topic of MMJ use in their patients, development of institutional policy and clinical support services with specific expertise in MMJ is a recommended step to support patient and families and hospital team members.

BackgroundKorea has strict controls on narcotics. Nonetheless, as the impact of research on the therapeutic use of marijuana, psychedelics, etc. discussions on their medical use are beginning in Korea.Aims & ObjectsThe author intends to consider the possibility and necessary steps for allowing the medical use of psychedelics through a comparison of major countries' medical narcotic designation principles and a historical review of the legalization of medical use of marijuana in Korea.MethodGovernance of regulatory agencies for narcotics in Korea was reviewed. Literature related to drug designation criteria in major countries was reviewed. Reviewed the legalization process for medical use of marijuana in South KoreaResultsCompared to major countries, Korea has the strictest drug designation standards. In particular, foreign regulatory cases are the main reference standard. This is similar to the process of determining approval for pharmaceuticals in the Korean Food and Drug Administration. It can be said that the conservative regulatory authority's stance that allows medical use only when all are certified in each country is reflected in the designation of narcotics for medical use. Governance for medical narcotics in Korea is under the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety's drug safety officer and Drug Safety Bureau. Each has an independent decision-making process. Distribution of medical narcotics, which are different from treatment purposes, is the main route of abuse/dependence. In Korea, there is a nationwide surveillance system (patient medication history confirmation system and big data-based surveillance system) for prescribed narcotics drugs, which is a protective factor for abuse/dependence. Through the historical review of the process of legalization and acceptance of medical use of marijuana, which has been designated as a narcotic, but is partially permitted for medical use, prospects for the acceptance process of medical use of psychedelics have been made.Discussion & ConclusionRegulatory practices and socio-political conservative tendencies regarding the acceptance of drugs for human use are barriers to the acceptance of psychedelics for medical use. For the relaxation of this regulation, permitting the medical use of hallucinogens in major countries is a prerequisite. However, a national monitoring system for medical narcotic drug use is an advantageous condition for persuading regulatory authorities for the clinical use of psychedelics as therapeutics.