It is common for some jobs to have mandatory drug testing, but what happens when you are managing health problems with medical marijuana? Although medical marijuana is legal in 23 states as well as Washington, D.C., marijuana remains illegal on a federal level. This creates significant problems for those who depend on the product to control the numerous health issues THC seems to benefit. Can employers require information about medical marijuana use, and does HIPAA offer any protections?

On Saturday, West Virginia NORML (National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws) hosted an info meeting at the Morgantown Public Library to inform the public about their goals for the state. 5 News attended the meeting to see what they are aiming to reform about marijuana laws and if members of the community agree with the cause.

As the debate on legalization of marijuana continues all over the country, one group is working to reform marijuana laws in Morgantown. West Virginia NORML is an organization dedicated to educating our state on the positive effects they believe medical marijuana can have on chronic health issues.

Massachusetts Senator Elizabeth Warren thinks it’s high time health officials consider legalizing marijuana as a painkiller.

Warren, in a letter to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention head Thomas Frieden, argued that the “alarming” surge in painkiller addictions means marijuana should be explored as an alternative.

Sen. Elizabeth Warren wants the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to explore the use of medical marijuana as an alternative to the powerful opioid painkillers that kill thousands of people each year.

In a letter to CDC chief Tom Friedan, the Massachusetts Democrat also asks the agency to look into “the impact of the legalization of medical and recreational marijuana on opioid overdose deaths.”

From a public health standpoint, Warren is right. There is a lot of potential here. Here’s a rundown of what the research has shown so far:

One of the nation’s most influential U.S. Senators thinks medical marijuana should be studied as a way to address the nation’s opioid issue.

Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-MA) asked the Centers for Disease Control to work with other federal agencies “to fill the gap in our knowledge about” medical marijuana’s ability to help combat the opioid epidemic.

Warren asked the federal agency to consider and study “the use, uptake, and effectiveness of medical marijuana as an alternative to opioids for pain treatment in states where it is legal.”

Here’s her letter to the CDC.

In the past two years, we have witnessed a sea of change in the attitude of Americans toward cannabis. Colorado made history by becoming the first state to completely decriminalize possession and use of the plant, with Washington and other states soon following.

Medical cannabis use is now legal in 23 states, and others will soon be joining that list. Polls find that a solid majority of Americans support cannabis legalization, especially for medicinal use. The Free Thought Project has reported on many incredible ways that cannabis is being used to treat a variety of ailments. Its effectiveness at reducing or eliminating epileptic seizures is nothing short of amazing.

Trade unionist Helen Kelly says she's frustrated the Ministry of Health has turned down her application to use medical cannabis.

Lower IQ and poorer performance in education were often thought to be symptoms of cannabis use; however, new studies show it could actually be tobacco slowing progress amongst teens.

We've all been victim to the stereotypical stoner portrayal; often slow, forgetful teens who stare longingly into the distance. Coupled with over-zealous media attention, you'd be forgiven for thinking that cannabis rots the brain whilst you laze about playing video games on a diet of pizza and snacks. Well, the tide may have finally turned with the latest studies showing that tobacco could be the bigger benefactor in lower IQ levels amongst teens.

Cherylee Houston plays Izzy Armstrong in Coronation Street

Wheelchair-bound Izzy Armstrong (Cherylee Houston) confided in Erica Hulroyd (Clare King) that she was in a lot of pain after her accident and that her usual prescription medication wasn’t working.

Erica suggested that she could get her some of the drug to help ease her pain and later managed to procure the cannabis for her.

Many audience members took to social media to praise the programme makers for tackling such a controversial issue. 

Lydia Brindley posted on Twitter: “Good on Coronation Street Cannabis mentioned as an alternative pain relief!!!”

ITV

Eric gets Izzy the drugs after she is in crippling pain

Status epilepticus - continuous or rapid sequential seizure activity for 30 minutes or more - is a medical emergency with a high mortality rate in both children and adults. Prompt and effective treatment is key; therefore the American Epilepsy Society (AES) has released a new guideline to help physicians, hospitals, and health systems treat patients effectively. The guideline is published in the January/February issue ofEpilepsy Currents, the AES journal.