CDC tells doctors to stop testing patients for marijuana

[DDave]

While not a step towards legalization of Marijuana, it is a step in the right direction none the less. I was unaware of the possibility of being declined continued pain medication if one tested positive for THC.

http://mashable.com/2016/03/23/government-testing-patients-marijuana/#TAfGHHs1.uqy


"Although passing a drug test is not usually a prerequisite for an initial prescription to painkillers, patients who end up passing through the corridor from the family doctor to a pain management clinic are often held to a higher standard in order to continue receiving these medications. Typically, these patients are required to test free of any illegal substances, including medical marijuana, before being allowed to participate and/or continue in a pain treatment plan."

Good to see this type of support of medical patients and from the CDC!

 

[CarolKing]

They we going to give me pain killers long term here in WA state but they wanted me to take s drug test. I had filled out a form and on the form it asked me if I used any illegal drugs and I said no. This was before I had a medical certification and at the time I used cannabis. I chose to not take the test or go on opioids long term. I didn't realize that they were going to ask me to do that. This was probably 5 or 6 years ago. What a bunch of crap.

For me it was probably was a blessing in disguise.
It doesn't seem right that they do this to people that are in long term every day pain.

 

[Fat Freddy]

Thanks for posting that info @DDave !

Several months ago (end of last year) my hem/onc asked I see a pain specialist because he and so many other docs are running scared from the DEA in regard to opioid prescribing. It's gotten pretty desperate when an oncologist is afraid to prescribe pain medication (narcotics) to cancer patients, but that has been the result of the DEA's witch hunting practices over the past 4 or 5 years. So, when seeing the pain management docs I had to forego use of cannabis for about 15 days each month just in case they wanted me to take a urine test at my monthly visit to have my script for oxycondon filled. Long story short, I finally had a "sit-down-come-to-Jesus-meetin' " with my hem/onc and insisted/requested that he return to prescribing my pain medication. He reluctantly agreed and now I'm back on a VERY low, daily dose of Percocet. I've tried all the available and legitimate remedies possible short of pain block implants in my backside, (yes, that's a thing that pain management docs try to steer you towards because it's quite profitable for them, e.g. $100K per procedure). Thanks, no thanks!

Of course now, being in a prohibition state, I have to find a way to secure my cannabis medication from whatever source I can, as it fills an important niche in my total pain management treatment. Sometimes I just can't believe that after all these years Nixon is still fucking with our rights to pursue the happiness and enjoyment of a simple yet amazing plant! And now this asshole, Trump!? Deja vu all over again!!