Official Stance on Medical Marijuana

Facts About Marijuana:

  • Schedule I Substance: Marijuana is classified as a Schedule I controlled substance.
  • Addictive and Withdrawal: It's an addictive substance with withdrawal symptoms upon cessation.
  • High Treatment Admissions: Since 2002, admissions for marijuana addiction treatment have surpassed those for any other illegal drug.
  • Cannabinoids: Marijuana comprises 60 to 100 chemical components known as cannabinoids, with only Delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) being psychoactive.
  • THC Potency: Higher THC content in marijuana leads to more potent and longer-lasting effects.
  • THC Concentration: Genetic engineering has increased THC potency in marijuana plants, and extraction methods are gaining popularity.
  • Impaired Driving: Marijuana is the second leading cause of impaired driving arrests.
  • Adolescent Addiction: One in six adolescents who try marijuana becomes addicted.

Facts About Medical Marijuana:

  • Medical Marijuana Usage: "Medical marijuana" in some states is used by individuals without chronic illnesses, often white males in their mid-30s with a history of substance abuse.
  • Incident Rates: States with medical marijuana laws have higher incident rates of "past month adult users" and "new youth (12-17) users."
  • Legalization Progress: Many Western states, including Alaska and Hawaii, have authorized various forms of legal marijuana use. Some have even transitioned to full-scale recreational use.
  • THC in Medicinal Effect: There's no scientific evidence that THC is necessary to enhance the medicinal effects of cannabidiol (CBD) or other cannabinoids.
  • Legal Limit in Utah: In Utah, possession of up to 99 pounds of marijuana, including highly concentrated extracts (up to 90% pure THC), is a Class B misdemeanor since October 1, 2015.
  • Opposition to "Medical" Use: Numerous national and local organizations, including the National Association of Drug Court Professionals and the Utah Medical Association, oppose the use of intact marijuana as "medicine."

UNOA POSITION STATEMENT ON MEDICAL MARIJUANA:

The Utah Narcotic Officers Association (UNOA) opposes the use of raw marijuana or THC-containing extracts for any purpose, including medical. UNOA acknowledges the potential future medical benefits of other cannabinoids and encourages their research, studies, and clinical trials under strict federal and state oversight.