California Governor Signs Bills To Let Doctors Prescribe Psilocybin And MDMA If They’re Federally Rescheduled And To Change Marijuana Testing Rules
In a significant move towards expanding access to medical treatments, California Governor Gavin Newsom has signed into law a pair of groundbreaking bills that could revolutionize the state's approach to healthcare and drug policy. These measures, among a slew of others on the governor's desk, mark a bold step forward in California's ongoing efforts to reform its cannabis and drug policies.
AB 1021: Access to Psychedelics
One of the most notable bills signed into law by Governor Newsom is Assembly Bill 1021, sponsored by Assembly members Buffy Wicks, Isaac Bryan, and Corey Jackson. This legislation hinges on a crucial development: the federal rescheduling of certain Schedule I drugs under the Controlled Substances Act (CSA). If the federal government does reschedule these substances, California health professionals will gain the authority to legally prescribe and dispense them.
This development holds particular relevance for two remarkable compounds: psilocybin and MDMA. Both have been designated as breakthrough therapies by the federal Food and Drug Administration (FDA), with potential approvals for medical use expected as early as next year. A recent Phase 3 clinical trial demonstrated that MDMA effectively reduced symptoms in patients with moderate to severe PTSD, suggesting its potential for wider therapeutic applications.
While the federal regulatory landscape shifts, Governor Newsom also has another bill pending on his desk, one that could independently legalize certain psychedelics like psilocybin within the state. His stance on this bill, however, remains nuanced, reflecting his evolving perspective on drug policy reform.
Read Also: House Approves Psychedelic Research And Marijuana Labeling Amendments As Part Of Spending Bills
AB 623: Marijuana Testing Rules Amended
In addition to AB 1021, Governor Newsom approved Assembly Bill 623, authored by Assembly member Phillip Chen. This legislation addresses THC variance testing rules for marijuana products, a significant concern in the cannabis industry. Current law restricts edible cannabis products to a maximum of 10 milligrams of THC per serving, allowing for a variance of plus or minus 10 percent to account for natural product variations.
However, products with lower THC potency can face challenges due to these testing standards. AB 623 tasks the Department of Cannabis Control with reevaluating the testing variances for lower potency products, ensuring that testing standards are appropriate for smaller dosing sizes.
While these bills represent substantial progress in California's drug policy reform, Governor Newsom faces additional proposals related to cannabis and psychedelics. Among them are measures to prevent employers from inquiring about marijuana use, the legalization of cannabis "cafes," and environmental sustainability initiatives in the industry.
Governor Newsom's decisions on these proposals are eagerly awaited, particularly in light of his prior support for harm reduction measures and drug policy reform.
Promoting Access to Medical Marijuana: CannabisMD TeleMed
It's worth noting that in certain states, where recreational cannabis sales have stalled due to political reasons, medical marijuana remains a lifeline for patients seeking its therapeutic benefits. In Virginia, for example, where political dynamics have slowed the progress of recreational cannabis, medical marijuana cards are the only legal means to access cannabis.
This is where CannabisMD TeleMed steps in. As an online platform, it connects patients with healthcare providers, facilitating medical marijuana evaluations in Virginia. Since its inception, CannabisMD TeleMed has helped over 30,000 Virginia residents gain convenient and affordable access to medical marijuana cards. Their success is evidenced by the over 4,000 5-star verified reviews on platforms including Google, Trustpilot, The Better Business Bureau, Leafly, Yelp, and Facebook.
Patients across Virginia have praised CannabisMD TeleMed for its simple, affordable, and professional approach to obtaining a Virginia medical cannabis card. As the landscape of cannabis legalization continues to evolve, services like CannabisMD TeleMed play a crucial role in ensuring patients receive the care they need.
Governor Newsom's recent decisions reflect the changing attitudes toward drug policy and healthcare access, setting a precedent for other states to follow. As California continues to lead in this regard, the focus remains on providing safe and effective treatments for those in need, and on innovative services like CannabisMD TeleMed that bridge the gap to medical cannabis access.
