Cannabis Research Review Board Meeting – February
by DAVID M. JOLLEY, J.D.
The Department of Health and Human Services’ Cannabis Research and Review Board (CRRB) held their monthly meeting last Tuesday (Feb. 14th). The meeting was held virtually only, but was open to the public.
The Board consists of the following members:
Katherine Carlson, M.D., M.S. (Board Chair)
Matthew S. Mclff, M.D. (Board Vice Chair)
Perry G. Fine, M.D. (Immediate Past Chair)
Brian Zehnder, M.D.
Jennifer L. Norris, M.D.
Michael Moss, M.D.
Misty Smith, Ph.D.
As stated in the statute, the purpose of the CRRB is to review available research related to the human use of cannabinoid products. Specifically, the CRRB evaluates the safety and efficacy of cannabinoid products and expanded cannabinoid products in terms of:
medical conditions that respond to cannabinoid products;
dosage amounts and their medical forms; and
interactions between cannabinoid products, expanded cannabinoid products, and other treatments.
Dosing Guidelines – Dr. Fine
During last month’s meeting, the board talked about creating a cannabis dosing guidelines document for patients who don’t have much experience or have never used cannabis before.
Dr. Fine, who helped create the final document, noted this was one of “the most inclusive” documents they’ve done in terms of the amount of input received and incorporated into it.
To do this, they looked into consensus documents on the subject. A “consensus document” is the work of expert panels from different countries or organizations summarizing current knowledge and guidelines on a topic. Unfortunately, as Dr. Fine admitted, they could only find one consensus document on cannabis dosing out there. Nonetheless, the board was very pleased with the result.
Dr. McCliff said he liked the how the document struck a balance between being simple, yet precise. Dr Carlson noted the biggest difference with these new guidelines is they have a maximum dosage and that they’re less restrictive and more like guidelines than strict rules. The board approved the document anonymously. A copy of the guidelines can be viewed here.
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DHHS (Legislative) Updates – Rich Oborn
Oborn provided an update on the relevant bills being proposed this legislative session.
H.B. 72 – Medical Cannabis Governance Revisions
This bill moves most oversight and regulation of medical cannabis pharmacies and couriers
from the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) to the Utah Department of
Agriculture and Food (UDAF). In addition, it would create a nine-member Medical Cannabis Advisory Board, which would facilitate pilot funding and coordination of cannabis products.
H.B. 230 – Center for Medical Cannabis Research
This bill creates the Center for Medical Cannabis Research within the University of Utah and requires the DHHS to work with the center to create guidance on medical cannabis use.
S.B. 137 – Medical Cannabis Amendments
This bill extends the expiration date for a patient’s medical cannabis card from six months to one year; increases the cap on the number of patients a provider may have; allows the DHHS to revoke a patient’s card if the recommending provider withdraws their recommendation; allows for a physician’s assistant (PA) to diagnose PTSD for the purpose of recommending medical cannabis; and allows for virtual visits for patients who are bedridden and/or unable to use a computer.
S.B. 91 – Medical Cannabis Regulation Amendments
This bill modifies certain labeling requirements for certain products, such as replacing the term “artificial” with “synthetic” cannabinoid. It also allows the UDAF to ban ingredients found in a cannabis product upon the recommendation of a public health authority, in addition to requiring testing for heavy metals in vaporizer cartridges.
This bill further defines what a cannabinoid is, so that certain products are not allowed in hemp. In addition, it prohibits some hemp products from being purchased by those under 21.
S.B. 200 – Psilocybin Prescription Amendments
Finally, although not related to cannabis, this bill creates a regulatory structure for the state’s psilocybin program for treatment of depression and anxiety. Unfortunately, even if passed, this would only allow patients to receive treatment in a medical facility or clinic under the supervision of a doctor. There would be no “pharmacies” or means of taking psilocybin at home.
Public Comments
Public comments were limited to 2 minutes. Here is a summary of those comments.
Dr. Mark Viner, M.D., a psychiatrist in Nevada, expressed concerns about the dosing guidelines for taking CBD orally. Viner pointed out there haven’t been any studies on taking CBD for a prolonged period of time, and therefore concerned about its safety. Dr. Viner suggested the CBD product come with a safety statement like they do for THC. In addition, Dr. Viner was concerned about a recent outbreak of plant thyroid infections and whether the COA (Certificate of uthenticity) labels will address this.
Zac Newel King (patient advocate, TRUCE) said we need to focus more on easy patient access, allow for decriminalization of cannabis, get rid of the synthetics that are presently in the system currently, and get more safe, organic medicine we can rely on. In sum, King exclaimed, “We’re not guinea pigs or piggy banks!”
In response to these comments, Dr. Viner said they need to inquire as to whether the Utah’s cannabis is being tested for plant thyroid infections; and to King’s comments, patients have a right to request the ingredients of any particular product.
An agenda and slides presented during the meeting can be found here.
A video of the meeting can be viewed here.
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