An investigation into Pennsylvania’s medical marijuana programme has revealed unsettling trends in certifications issued by certain doctors. Records confirm that in 2022, just 17 doctors were responsible for approving over 132,000 medical marijuana cards—a third of all certifications that year. Such startling figures have prompted calls for stricter oversight to ensure quality patient care and protect programme integrity.

Critics, including state lawmakers and health experts, question how a doctor can responsibly manage thousands of patients annually amidst concerns that financial incentives might overshadow patient welfare. Some doctors issued more than 5,000 certifications in a single year, with one averaging an astonishing 40 per day. Questions surrounding how much time doctors dedicate to each patient and whether meaningful medical consultations occur have heightened worries about this process being reduced to mere bureaucracy.

Certifications, which cost patients $100 to $200 annually out-of-pocket, grant access to cannabis dispensaries. Appointments are often brief, and patients report little follow-up care—raising concerns about the adequacy of medical oversight and the potential for unintended harm. Research also highlights risks associated with improper medical cannabis use, particularly for vulnerable groups such as young people and individuals with mental health conditions.

Legislators are now urging change, proposing limits on the number of certifications issued per doctor. Oversight agencies have faced scrutiny for insufficient monitoring, with some critics calling for audits of high-volume certifiers. Such measures are vital to maintain the programme’s credibility and prevent its exploitation for commercial gain.

Pennsylvania is not alone in grappling with this issue. Other states, like Michigan and Florida, have also faced criticism for a lack of rigorous oversight in their medical marijuana programmes, further underscoring the need for reform. Advocates stress that regulation must prioritise health and safety over profit, maintaining high medical standards across the board.

Source: Spotlight PA