Connecticut House Bill HB05197

Connecticut 2019 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/11/19
• Refer: 1/11/19

Caption

An Act Requiring Medical Marijuana To Be Included In The Prescription Drug Monitoring Program.

Impact

By enacting HB 05197, the state would potentially improve the monitoring of medical marijuana prescriptions, offering a tool for healthcare providers to track patient usage and reduce instances of misuse or over-prescribing. This incorporation into the PDMP could also lead to better data collection and understanding of the medical marijuana landscape, benefiting both regulators and practitioners in patient care. However, the bill may also impose additional burdens on dispensaries and healthcare providers who must comply with new reporting requirements.

Summary

House Bill 05197 proposes to amend the current state law by requiring that all dispensations of medical marijuana be included in the state's prescription drug monitoring program (PDMP). This change aims to create a more comprehensive tracking mechanism that would enhance oversight and management of medical marijuana prescriptions, aligning it with other controlled substances already monitored by the PDMP. The bill highlights the growing emphasis on regulating medical marijuana as its usage becomes more widespread among patients across the state.

Contention

There may be notable points of contention surrounding this bill, particularly among those who advocate for less regulation of medical marijuana. Opponents may argue that integrating medical marijuana into the PDMP could deter patients from accessing necessary medications due to increased surveillance and oversight. There is also a concern that this measure might stigmatize medical marijuana, treating it similarly to narcotics despite its legal and therapeutic status. Therefore, while the bill seeks to enhance safety and accountability in the medical marijuana sector, it may invite debate on the balance between regulation and access to care.