Women living in New Jersey might be soon offered medical marijuana to relieve their pain associated with Premenstrual syndrome (PMS). Democratic Assembly members Tim Eustace, Grace Spencer and Angelica Jimenez introduced a legislation on Thursday that would add women’s conditions to the current list of ailments for medical marijuana.
Eustace said the bill was inspired by the new products launched by comedian and talk show host Whoopi Goldberg through a partnership with entrepreneur Maya Elisabeth. The marijuana-based items designed for pain relief in women include tincture, scented or unscented bath soaks, cream and marijuana-infused chocolate.
Drugs available on the market for menstrual cramps can be addictive and while pain is currently approved as a condition for some medical marijuana programs, this condition in women is not specified.
Spencer said that medical issues affecting women have been overlooked for too long and Eustace added that cramping can have a significant impact on wellness and productivity, which is why they remark the importance on recognizing that women deserve treatment too. A lot of people are leaving New Jersey for treatment but Eustace is hopeful that the situation will change soon.
New Jersey has one of the most restrictive medical marijuana programs
Governor Chris Christie has repeatedly expressed that he rejects the highly-restrictive program launched by former Governor Jon Corzine. Since August 2012, the registry has only authorized 6,527 patients and only ten medical conditions have been approved. Severe or chronic pain is one of the few qualifying conditions but only if it is a consequence of AIDS or cancer.
Other approved illnesses include sclerosis, muscular dystrophy, seizures and treatment-resistant glaucoma.
“Every month women experience pain and discomfort associated with their period. Cannabis is a wonderful remedy, and combined with other superfoods and medicinal herbs, can provide the type of relief many women need,” said Maya Elisabeth, as reported by Forbes.
Ms. Elisabeth owns Om Edibles, one of California’s most innovative manufacturers in the medical cannabis market.
Colorado, Oregon, Washington and Alaska have legalized marijuana for all uses while nearly 20 other states have only approved marijuana for medical treatment. New York State rolled out its medical marijuana program earlier this year and in late 2015 New Jersey held its first meeting on legalizing the recreational use of the plant.
Source: Forbes