Pubdate: Sun, 17 Jan 2016 Source: News-Gazette, The (Champaign, IL) Copyright: 2016 The News-Gazette Contact: http://www.news-gazette.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1272 Author: Ross Morreale Note: Ross Morreale is chairman of the Medical Cannabis Alliance of Illinois and chief compliance officer of Ataraxia, an Albion-based medical marijuana cultivation center. MORE WORK TO BE DONE FOR MEDICAL CANNABIS INDUSTRY Medical cannabis has been available to Illinois patients for nearly two months and we have already witnessed countless success stories about how this natural remedy is helping people live an improved quality of life. In many cases, this improvement comes after all other treatment options have failed. The medical cannabis industry has invested more than $250 million in Illinois while training a new workforce, employing more than 500 people and becoming an economic engine for communities still reeling from the recession. Local mayors who are happy to see residents back to work, restaurants full and a renewed interest in real-estate development support the program. Operating at about half-capacity, the industry has the potential to change the landscape of Illinois. The first few months of sales included flower products with the first wave of edibles released in mid-December. Moving into the first quarter of 2016, oils, tinctures, concentrates, sublinguals, suppositories, topicals and other products will be available at dispensaries throughout the state. The industry has accomplished a great deal since the program launched in November; however, there are significant steps that need to be taken to protect patients, businesses and the state's economy. Illinois regulators must do more to educate physicians about the program and certification process. While many physicians recognize the benefit of medical cannabis, many are unfamiliar with the process. State regulators have a responsibility to streamline the process and provide information to physicians so they can make educated decisions and provide the most comprehensive care available to patients. With only 3,600 patients approved for treatment, the current program is not viable. Despite the recommendation from the Medical Cannabis Advisory Board to approve 11 conditions, including post-traumatic stress disorder and diabetic neuropathy, only 39 conditions are eligible for medical cannabis treatment. Furthermore, the onerous application process, including treating patients like criminals by requiring fingerprinting, is a significant barrier that must be eliminated. Finally, the state must act to make the pilot program permanent so patients and businesses can live with certainty. Cultivation and dispensary operators are local business men and women with a deep commitment to improving the lives of patients and becoming positive members of their respective communities. The industry has built a strong foundation but needs the support of regulators to increase employment, generate economic velocity and, most importantly, provide cannabis to suffering patient not currently approved for treatment. The industry is dedicated to working with lawmakers and regulators in 2016 to make the medical cannabis program a success in Illinois and something other states can look to as a model. - --- MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom