Whenever there is a discussion about cannabis use and minors, it is a sensitive subject. Some people firmly believe that medical cannabis use should be limited to patients who are aged eighteen years or older. There are medical studies that suggest cannabis can have a negative impact on the cognitive development of minors. This is why recreational marijuana is also limited to American adults who are at least twenty-one years of age or older.
But for a pediatric patient who suffers debilitating symptoms that significantly disrupt quality of life, doctor-supervised cannabis can be life-changing. That is why state medical cannabis programs allow for pediatric use under a strict set of regulations to provide help and ensure safe use.
Our Massachusetts medical marijuana program allows parents or legal guardians to register minors for medical cannabis use. Legal guardians are also required to register as caregivers. Let’s explore the regulations, qualifying health conditions, and the approval process for the therapeutic use of marijuana for minors.
Charlotte Figi Began the American Movement for Cannabinoid Therapy for Minors
We cannot have a conversation about pediatric patient use without remembering a young girl named Charlotte and how her story helped escalate medical cannabis reform.
Providing care for children with debilitating symptoms was the starting point for medical cannabis legalization in the United States. Many people know the story of Charlotte Figi, who became known as “the girl who [changed] medical marijuana laws across America.”
Charlotte was diagnosed with a severe form of epilepsy called Dravet Syndrome. Both the young girl’s parents and healthcare providers stated that after her first dose of medical cannabis at the age of five, there was an immediate reduction in seizures. Her amazing story was first featured in 2013 on the CNN documentary “Weed’.
Tragically, Charlotte Figi died from complications of pneumonia on April 7, 2020. Charlotte’s Web is a brand of high cannabidiol (CBD) and low-THC products processed from agricultural hemp. Her story inspired both the acceptance of CBD and cannabis for the treatment of epilepsy and the creation of the first FDA-approved cannabinoid drug, “Epidiolex,” for the treatment of severe forms of adolescent epilepsy, including Dravet Syndrome.
Today, epilepsy is one of the most common qualifying health conditions that enable parents or guardian caregivers to administer low-THC products for pediatric patient care.
Understanding Massachusetts Medical Cannabis Laws
Before delving into the specific conditions for pediatric patients, it’s crucial to understand the legal framework governing medical cannabis in Massachusetts. Familiarizing yourself with the state’s regulations ensures that you navigate the system effectively, making informed decisions for your child’s health.
A patient must have at least one qualifying health condition to be eligible for medical cannabis. The regulations provided by The Cannabis Control Commission provide resources for parents who are considering medical cannabis for their child’s needs. There is a patient caregiver portal available (Medical Use of Marijuana Online System) where you begin by creating a profile.
Before you can enroll a minor in the Medical Use of Marijuana Program, the parent or caregivers must provide two certifications from “certifying health care providers” who are registered with the program. Then, the pediatric patient application can be completed online in the portal.
Pediatric Qualifying Conditions Overview
Massachusetts outlines a set of qualifying conditions that allow individuals, including pediatric patients, to access medical cannabis. While some conditions are common for adults and children, there are specific considerations for the pediatric population.
Epilepsy and Seizure Disorders
One of the most well-established uses of medical cannabis in pediatrics is for the treatment of epilepsy and seizure disorders. Massachusetts recognizes this, opening doors for parents seeking alternative therapies for their children.
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)
In a groundbreaking move, Massachusetts includes Autism Spectrum Disorder as a qualifying condition for medical cannabis. This reflects the evolving understanding of cannabis’s potential benefits for neurological conditions in pediatric patients.
Pediatric Cancer
Children undergoing cancer treatments face a myriad of challenges. Massachusetts medical cannabis laws acknowledge this struggle, allowing pediatric cancer patients to explore cannabis as a complementary therapy to alleviate symptoms such as pain, nausea, and loss of appetite.
Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)
Pediatric patients with Inflammatory Bowel Disease, including conditions like Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis, may qualify for medical cannabis in Massachusetts. This inclusion recognizes the potential anti-inflammatory properties of cannabis.
Cerebral Palsy
Massachusetts extends its medical cannabis program to include pediatric patients with Cerebral Palsy, addressing the unique needs of children with this neurological disorder. Cannabis may offer relief from spasticity and pain associated with Cerebral Palsy.
Multiple Sclerosis (MS) in Pediatric Patients
While typically associated with adults, pediatric patients diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis may also qualify for medical cannabis in Massachusetts. This recognition underscores the diverse applications of cannabis in managing neurological conditions.
Dravet Syndrome
Specifically addressing a rare and severe form of epilepsy, Massachusetts lists Dravet Syndrome as a qualifying condition for pediatric medical cannabis. This inclusion acknowledges the potential efficacy of cannabis in managing the unique challenges associated with Dravet Syndrome.
Chronic Pain Management in Pediatric Patients
For pediatric patients experiencing chronic pain due to various medical conditions, Massachusetts allows the use of medical cannabis as part of a comprehensive pain management strategy. This recognizes the need for alternative options for children facing persistent pain.
Tourette Syndrome
Tourette Syndrome, characterized by repetitive, involuntary movements and vocalizations, is recognized as a qualifying condition for medical cannabis in Massachusetts. This inclusion reflects the state’s acknowledgment of cannabis’s potential in managing neurological and neuropsychiatric disorders in pediatric patients.
Pediatric Glaucoma
While glaucoma is more commonly associated with older individuals, pediatric patients facing this condition may qualify for medical cannabis in Massachusetts. This inclusion showcases the state’s commitment to addressing a diverse range of medical needs in the pediatric population.
HIV/AIDS in Pediatric Patients
Children born to HIV-positive parents or those who acquire the virus may face unique health challenges. Massachusetts recognizes HIV/AIDS as a qualifying condition for medical cannabis in pediatric patients, providing potential relief from associated symptoms.
Severe Nausea and Vomiting in Pediatric Patients
Pediatric patients experiencing severe nausea and vomiting due to medical treatments or conditions may qualify for medical cannabis in Massachusetts. This acknowledges the potential antiemetic properties of cannabis in alleviating treatment-induced nausea.
How to Get Started
At MedWell Health and Wellness Centers, our practitioners are experienced with the therapeutic use of medical cannabis for both adults and minors. Start by confirming your child has one of the diagnoses accepted by the Massachusetts medical marijuana program.
Schedule an appointment for a pediatric patient with MedWell Health and Wellness Centers. The evaluation is provided by a telemedicine consultation with a state-licensed cannabis healthcare provider.
Dr. Jack Rothman has been practicing medicine for 40+ years. He has been involved with an endless list of Boards, Executive Committees, and Task Forces, serving as Director, Society Member, President, Vice President, and Chairman. All to better the healthcare industry and patients’ lives. Board Certified in Obstetrics and Gynecology, specializing in Gynecological surgery, volunteering with free clinics and the Red Cross, he has seen the need for different patient options to help with symptom relief of multiple conditions. His interest in medical cannabis started decades ago with the historical study of ancient medicine.
Getting involved with the medical cannabis industry was the perfect opportunity for him to transition from traditional medicine into the ever-expanding industry of medical cannabis.