Greater Augusta Prevention Partners, (GAPP)
Serving City of Staunton, City of Waynesboro and Augusta County
GAPP’s mission is to create and implement intentional strategies to prevent youth from involvement in criminal gang activity, drug use, violence, and other risky behaviors to foster stronger and heathier community for our youth. http://www.valleyprevention.com/
Greater Augusta Prevention Partners provides this public comment in response to permanent adoption of Virginia Board of Pharmacy New regulations Chapter 60:
Marijuana and its extracts are dangerous and addictive illegal Schedule 1 drugs according to federal law and the DEA.
CBD-THC-A-THC oils are not FDA approved medicines.
There are already FDA approved drugs (dronabinol and nabilone) available that contain THC and parallel the effects of marijuana.
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.
FDA approved drugs are the only way to ensure proper recommended dosage and patient safety through side effect and drug interaction warning labels.
Attorney General Jeff Session has reversed the Cole Memo, now instructing federal law enforcement to enforce federal law with regard to marijuana manufacturing and possession.
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)
If the Virginia Board of Pharmacy adopts these new permanent regulations, it will further open the door to marijuana legalization in Virginia.All states that have legalized marijuana began with medical marijuana.
Revenues collected from marijuana do not outweigh the negative impacts on public safety, public health, the workplace, academics, black market and natural resources.
If the Virginia Board of Pharmacy does pass these new regulations, GAPP suggests the following changes should be made:
18VAC110-60-20. B. Parents of children with ongoing medical conditions under current treatment by a pediatrician should have their fee waived. (ie: cancer, epilepsy…..) Also applies to section 18VAC110-60-50
18VAC110-60-120. Conditional approval should also include within 1,000 feet of a church and within 1,000 feet of a residential dwelling.
Contact Information:
Keri Jones, GAPP Coalition Coordinator, 540-332-3806, joneskd@ci.staunton.va.u