Kokua Line
Kokua Line
Question: I am a 33-year-old man who has been suffering from severe migraine headaches for many years. I have tried all sorts of medication but get very little relief. I need to know what I can do to obtain an application for medical marijuana. I do have medical records as well. Doctor’s request needed
to apply for medical potAnswer: You need to have your physician certify in writing that you qualify for the medical use of marijuana. The written certification is then reviewed by the state Department of Public Safety's Narcotics Enforcement Division.
As of last week, 80 "registry identification" cards had been issued by DPS, with about a dozen applications pending, according to Ed Howard, supervising investigator for the Narcotics Enforcement Division. Applications have been averaging 1-2 a week since the first approval was granted Jan. 31. Only "a handful" have been rejected, Howard said.
Under the procedure set up under Chapter 23-202 of DPS's administrative rules, patients who want to use marijuana have to suffer from a debilitating condition, such as cancer, HIV/AIDS or glaucoma; a chronic or debilitating disease or condition that produces severe pain, severe nausea, seizures or severe and persistent muscle spasms; or any other medical condition approved by the state Health Department at the request of a physician or patient.
DPS's Narcotics Enforcement Division works closely with physicians to resolve any questions, Howard said.
With a registry identification card, a patient or primary caregiver together has the legal right to possess and grow an "adequate supply" of marijuana: a maximum of three mature marijuana plants, four immature marijuana plants and one ounce of usable marijuana per each mature plant.
While a patient is allowed to grow and possess marijuana for medical purposes, the state regulation is silent on how he/she may obtain it, since federal law still prohibits trafficking of the drug.
Registrations are in effect until a physician's written certification expires. Written certifications are valid for one year. There has to be an established relationship between a patient and the doctor issuing a written certification, Howard said.
Twenty-five physicians are participating in the program. Interestingly, the majority of the patients are from Kauai, followed by the Big Island.
"We're not in the business of naming which physicians are participating" in the program, so don't ask, Howard said. However, you can call 594-0150 for more specific information.
Auwe
To the driver of a black four-wheel drive vehicle with a camper top: In the future, please do not run a red light at Castle Junction and Pali Highway. At about 7:10 a.m. Friday, March 16, we had the green arrow and if it were not for my husband's alertness, you would have broadsided us. -- No Name
Mahalo
To the good Samaritan who pushed my stalled car to the sidewalk on Pauoa Road on Sunday, March 18. In my panic I did not get his name. May God bless him. -- No Name
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