One of the drivers of the explosive growth in Louisiana’s medical marijuana industry has been online platforms where patients can get a prescription for the drug remotely through a telemedicine visit with a doctor.
But since COVID emergency rules ended this spring, the state board that governs doctors has maintained that telemedicine isn’t allowed for new medical marijuana patients. That position has put it at odds with key lawmakers who advocate for the program and unsettled investors in the industry.
The tensions hit a boil this week when the State Board of Medical Examiners voted down a proposal to allow doctors to use telemedicine for recommending marijuana to some patients. If successful, the measure would have changed the board’s policy to allow telemedicine for some new patients seeking marijuana prescriptions.
It’s unclear what practical effect the board’s position will have. Some legislators believe the law they passed supersedes the board’s authority, meaning telemedicine would still be allowed for new medical marijuana patients. The board says it only investigates and takes action against doctors when it receives a complaint. Telemedicine services are still up and running–and have been for months, despite the board’s position.
But advocates worry the conflict will present another barrier to patients, who already face…
