Teater letter: Medical marijuana
Recently, New Approach Idaho withdrew the medical marijuana initiative due to erroneously listing the American Academy of Pediatrics as supporting medical marijuana. While AAP did acknowledge the potential value of CBD, for severe seizures — and called for rescheduling to allow for research and called for decriminalization for use by minors and young adults — they do not support medical marijuana generally.
Sadly Elisha Figueroa, Idaho’s “drug czar,” used this unfortunate error to criticize decent and dedicated Idaho citizen activists saying they “misled, manipulate, and outright lie.” She went on to play the “kid card” so common with prohibitionists who have nothing else, saying in part “… so today is a great day for the health and safety of Idaho’s children.” This, after she testified against the CBD oil bill that would have allowed use only for children with intractable seizures.
It is unfortunate that a state official feels the need to present questionable and controversial statements and studies in the marijuana section of Office of Drug Policy “Drug Facts.” The truth will come out: that’s why cannabis legal reform is sweeping the nation and Ms. Figueroa is on the wrong side of truth and history.
Tim Teater, Boise
This story was originally published March 27, 2016 at 11:16 PM with the headline "Teater letter: Medical marijuana."