Earlier today, the Connecticut Hospice hosted a press conference to highlight its newly-approved medical marijuana research project. CSMS member and AMA Delegate Ted Zanker, MD is the principal investigator for the research project, which is designed to reduce opioid use in palliative care.
CSMS Legislative Chair David Emmel, MD joined Governor Dannel Malloy, Senator Richard Blumenthal and Connecticut Department of Consumer Protection (DCP) Commissioner Jonathan Harris in speaking at today's press conference. In his remarks, Dr. Emmel noted that the project is an important first step in medical marijuana research, and praised the study's design as "bring[ing] together two goals of modern medicine: compassionate care and evidence-based practice."
(L: Dr. Emmel, Gov. Malloy, Dr. Zanker) (R: Dr. Emmel, Dr. Zanker, Sen. Blumenthal)
In other medical marijuana research efforts, physicians at St. Francis Hospital and Medical Center in Hartford will soon begin testing whether marijuana is a viable alternative to opioids for pain control in patients with rib fractures. CSMS member and hospital President John F. Rodis, MD characterized the study as "a natural part of the hospital’s long-standing research mission. 'It’s just the right thing to do,' he said."
CSMS will continue to support careful, thorough research in evaluating and adopting proposed changes to treatment options.
