Georgia’s recent laws on medical marijuana have opened up new possibilities for healthcare providers and patients alike. Among them is Dr. Rasean T. Hodge, a Morehouse College graduate who runs Premiere Chronic Pain Care in downtown Atlanta. In this article, we’ll discuss his views on the medical marijuana industry, Georgia’s laws, and its potential to help alleviate chronic pain and empower minorities.
Georgia’s Marijuana Laws
Georgia’s decriminalization and legalization of medical marijuana in 2017 have been important milestones. However, Dr. Hodge believes more must be done to provide true access to the medicine. Legal and easily reached dispensaries are necessary to avoid Georgians becoming medical refugees and travelling to other states to get their medication. This is especially important for those who are simply trying to self-medicate or take care of their loved ones. With a cultivation bill and accessible dispensaries, 10+ million Georgians can have legal access to medical marijuana without fear of arrest for less than one ounce.
Medical Marijuana and Chronic Pain
Dr. Hodge’s practice is located in a community with chronic medical issues such as high blood pressure, diabetes, and addiction. According to Dr. Hodge, cannabis is the safest alternative for chronic pain management. It can effectively treat chronic pain, as well as depression, which often couples with it. Cannabis also affects the cancer-causing hormone cortisol and helps block inflammation. In states where both recreational and medicinal marijuana programs exist, the use of other pharmaceutical drugs has decreased.
Medical Marijuana and Empowerment
Dr. Hodge is also an advocate for minorities to get involved in the medical marijuana industry. He wants to empower all people, especially those who have been denied economic empowerment before. Black participation in the legitimate marijuana industry is currently less than one percent, and this is something that must be overcome. Dr. Hodge believes that Blacks must be involved in cultivation and not just the selling of the finished product. This means growing and having a processing plant for the medication. Dr. Hodge sees the marijuana industry as a way for minorities to enter into economic empowerment in a way that has been denied to them before.
Dr. Hodge’s Experience
Dr. Hodge has seen the benefits of medical marijuana in his practice. According to him, every patient has been the best outcome. Medical marijuana has helped ease the suffering of patients in palliative care and has helped many others overcome daily pain in their lives. Dr. Hodge is convinced that medical marijuana is a solution for chronic pain and other medical issues and should be accessible to everyone.
