Pennsylvania Department of Health Medical Marijuana Board Meets To Discuss Future – CBS PittsburghPosted by On


PITTSBURGH (KDKA) — Controlling chronic pain is a challenge.

It is one of the reasons certain areas of the country, including southwestern Pennsylvania, have struggled so much with the opioid epidemic.

READ MORE: Study: Pittsburgh Among Best Cities To Start A Career

One popular option is medical marijuana. But it is not enough for some patients.

The Pennsylvania Department of Health Medical Marijuana Board is marking its fifth anniversary. Jim Horvath has been part of the program for almost a year.

“I wanted to make sure it was here to stay. I’ve been in it for about 10 months now. And it has been treating me very well,” Horvath said.

More than 500,000 patients and caregivers participate in the program and receive medical marijuana for one of 23 serious medical conditions.

READ MORE: Police: Pennsylvania Homeowner Shoots At 5 Intruders, Killing 1, Injuring Another

“It’s really a broad range of conditions,” said Dr. Jack Kabazie, an AHN pain specialist. “We certified here over 900 patients. We have to go over the risks complications of medical marijuana. It’s a medication, just like any other medication.”

So far, 114 dispensaries are operational, with 34 million products dispensed and $1 million in sales.

“We’ve also kept probably 200 patients from even starting opioids by using medical marijuana for chronic pain. So it has been a real godsend to many of our patients,” said Kabazie.

With more production and competition, the price of the…

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PITTSBURGH (KDKA) — Controlling chronic pain is a challenge.

It is one of the reasons certain areas of the country, including southwestern Pennsylvania, have struggled so much with the opioid epidemic.

READ MORE: Study: Pittsburgh Among Best Cities To Start A Career

One popular option is medical marijuana. But it is not enough for some patients.

The Pennsylvania Department of Health Medical Marijuana Board is marking its fifth anniversary. Jim Horvath has been part of the program for almost a year.

“I wanted to make sure it was here to stay. I’ve been in it for about 10 months now. And it has been treating me very well,” Horvath said.

More than 500,000 patients and caregivers participate in the program and receive medical marijuana for one of 23 serious medical conditions.

READ MORE: Police: Pennsylvania Homeowner Shoots At 5 Intruders, Killing 1, Injuring Another

“It’s really a broad range of conditions,” said Dr. Jack Kabazie, an AHN pain specialist. “We certified here over 900 patients. We have to go over the risks complications of medical marijuana. It’s a medication, just like any other medication.”

So far, 114 dispensaries are operational, with 34 million products dispensed and $1 million in sales.

“We’ve also kept probably 200 patients from even starting opioids by using medical marijuana for chronic pain. So it has been a real godsend to many of our patients,” said Kabazie.

With more production and competition, the price of the…



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