American Public Health Association Endorses Medical Access to Marijuana

MEDICAL MARIJUANA January 1996

On November 1, the American Public Health Association (APHA) Governing Council passed a resolution supporting doctors' ability to prescribe marijuana to their patients.

Resolution number 9513, entitled "Access to Therapeutic Marijuana/Cannabis," asks Congress and President Clinton to make cannabis available through the Investigational New Drug Program. The resolution also supports more research into the medical benefits of marijuana and into ways to reduce the harm associated with smoking marijuana. The resolution was passed at the APHA's 123rd Annual Meeting in San Diego.

Network participant Mary Lynn Mathre, R.N. played a critical role in bringing this issue to the APHA Council.

[For a copy of the resolution, contact the NewsBriefs office.]