Commenter: Roanoke Prevention Alliance

RPA public comment

Roanoke Prevention Alliance, (RPA)

Serving City of Roanoke

RPA is devoted to preventing drug and alcohol abuse among teens and young adults in the City of Roanoke. www.roanokepreventionalliance.org

The Roanoke Prevention Alliance provides this public comment in response to permanent adoption of Virginia Board of Pharmacy New regulations Chapter 60:

1. CBD-THC-A-THC oils are not FDA approved medicines.
2. There are already FDA approved drugs (dronabinol and nabilone) available that contain THC and parallel the effects of marijuana.
3. Epidolex is now an FDA approved medication that is available to treat intractable epilepsy patients. Treatment options already exist for other illnesses covered in these regulations.
4. FDA approved drugs are the only way to ensure proper recommended dosage and patient safety through side effect and drug interaction warning labels.
5. Increased access to marijuana oils may contribute to increased usage in 12-17 year olds. (The National Survey on Drug Use and Health reports, SAMHSA 2016)
6. Marijuana usage, including oils, is linked to mental illness and opioid use.
7. Revenues collected from marijuana sales do not outweigh the negative impacts on public safety, public health, the workplace, academics, black market and natural resources.

 Contact Information:

 Melanie Morris RPA Director, 540-982-1427 ext 120, memorris@brbh.org