Pennsylvania physicians advise FDA on marijuana for medical use

Citing the recent announcement from the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration that requirements on FDA-approved clinical trials on cannabis-derived research will be relaxed, Pennsylvania Medical Society President Scott Shapiro, MD, has called upon Stephen Ostroff, MD, acting commissioner of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), to support research that will lead to the development of treatment options. Dr. Shapiro’s letter also urges the FDA to reschedule marijuana from a Schedule I to a Schedule II substance to facilitate research across the country.

Dear Commissioner Ostroff:
The recent announcement that the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) will relax requirements on cannabis-derived research is encouraging. In the past, the Pennsylvania Medical Society (PAMED) has called on both state and federal officials to support further research on the efficacy and safety of the medical use of cannabis. On behalf of our members and their patients, PAMED urges that the FDA also work to support research that will lead to the development of treatment options not now available. We also urge the FDA to reschedule marijuana from a Schedule I to a Schedule II substance to facilitate research across the country.

Given your prior service at the Pennsylvania Department of Health we are sure you are aware of the high profile political debate at the state level, particularly in Pennsylvania, on the issue of the medicinal use of cannabis. With legislation to legalize medical cannabis currently pending and likely on the verge of passage in some form in our state legislature, PAMED is hopeful that the DEA announcement may serve to slow down the process of state legislation on marijuana legalization in favor of FDA approved clinical research on cannabis and rescheduling of the substance.

Legislative advocates and patients alike want to use marijuana for a number of illnesses and conditions despite incomplete and limited FDA research on its safety and efficacy. PAMED members have indicated that they prefer additional research and clinical study on the medical use of cannabis before the Commonwealth moves to permit its medical use. This position is aligned with the American Medical Association’s policy that reflects the same view.

PAMED encourages you and the Administration to support research on the medical use of cannabis and provide the leadership necessary to change how the drug is currently scheduled. We look forward to working with you to make this happen in the very near future.

Thank you in advance for your support,

Scott E. Shapiro, MD
President, Pennsylvania Medical Society

Michael Fraser, Ph.D
Executive Vice President, Pennsylvania Medical Society