At least two of three major medical providers in Poplar Bluff say their physicians will not become certified to prescribe medical marijuana.
Both Poplar Bluff Regional Medical Center and Saint Francis Healthcare Systems are opting out at this time, while SoutheastHEALTH is still considering the matter.
Poplar Bluff Regional Medical Center says neither physicians employed by the hospital nor affiliated clinics will become certified, Director of Marketing and Community Relations Lacey McClintock confirmed in a statement.
“Independent medical staff members may choose to become certified but will not be able to prescribe medical marijuana for individuals who are receiving inpatient care at the hospital,” she said.
In addition to the hospital, PBRMC operates a cancer treatment center, family clinics, fitness and rehabilitation centers and other locations.
Black River Medical Center is part of the Saint Francis Healthcare System.
“Many questions remain about the use of marijuana as a medication,” Dr. Thomas S. Diemer, chief medical officer for Saint Francis Healthcare System, said in a statement. “Saint Francis Healthcare System is therefore developing a policy in which Saint Francis Medical Partner Physicians will decline to participate at this time in the medical marijuana Physician Certification process."
Both Saint Francis and PBRMC stated that marijuana remains illegal under federal law.
“The Missouri Constitution allows physicians to recommend marijuana for medical purposes to patients with serious illnesses and medical conditions,” Diemer said. “The Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services provides a Physician Certification form for this purpose. Nonetheless, marijuana is still illegal under federal law. Also, the FDA has not approved marijuana as a safe and effective drug for any indication.”
State voters approved a measure in 2018 to legalize marijuana for certain medical conditions. The first dispensaries and cultivation and manufacturing facilities are expected to open by 2020.
Patients could begin submitting applications June 28 to the state to be certified for medical marijuana use. They must obtain certification from a Missouri-licensed physician as part of this process.
“Marijuana remains an illegal, DEA Schedule I drug under federal law despite its use in some states,” McClintock said. “Our pharmacy only stocks medications that are legal under all applicable laws and patients cannot self-administer their medications, including medical marijuana, while they are an inpatient at our hospital.
“The substance policy prohibiting use of illegal substances is unchanged for employees and any contractors.”
SoutheastHEALTH operates a family medicine clinic in Poplar Bluff.
In a statement to the Southeast Missourian, SoutheastHEALTH officials said it is too early to take a final position on whether to participate in the prescription process.
“We are in the initial stages of engagement with the medical staff and exploration of the regulatory and prescriber requirements and its legal impact of those decisions,” said Dr. Gabe Soto, interim chief medical officer at Southeast.
As of June 20, the state had received pre-applications for two cultivation facilities that would like to locate in Butler County, four dispensaries and one manufacturer.
At least one group that has applied for a dispensary license plans to work with a business called the Green Clinics, which are also expected to locate in Poplar Bluff.
Alan Faraone, 60, Vince Faraone, 27, Kyle Vandover, 28, and Austin Boner, 24, all of Poplar Bluff, hope to open a dispensary together within the city limits.
On its website the Green Clinics group says its doctors will work with patients who want to apply for medical marijuana cards. The group requires patients provide medical records that show a diagnosis of one or more of the qualifying medical conditions.
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This story has been updated to include a more recent statement from Saint Francis Healthcare System.