Mr. Chair and Members of the Committee,
My name is Dr. Dawn Adams, DNP ANP-BC. I have been working in the medical cannabis space since the program's inception. I am writing to testify in strong support of HB1989, specifically the substitute language regarding the delivery of medical cannabis.
As you are aware, medical cannabis is a critical medication for many Virginians managing serious health conditions. Allowing delivery to individuals based on their temporary or permanent location is not just a matter of convenience—it’s a matter of access, equity, and common sense.
Consider the recent Richmond water crisis. Residents were displaced, and many found themselves in temporary housing, such as hotels. If a patient in that situation ran out of their medication, they would have no way to receive it unless delivery to their temporary location was permitted. Denying delivery in such circumstances undermines the purpose of medical cannabis as a legitimate and essential treatment.
There is no medical or safety reason to restrict delivery in this way. To my knowledge, there have been no reported issues with deliveries in Virginia that would justify such limitations. Further, we don’t need to look to other states, as many of their policies reflect mistakes or compromises, we should avoid. Instead, we should make rational, reasonable decisions rooted in the needs of our patients and the realities of their lives.
Medical cannabis is medicine. It should be treated with the same respect and consideration as any other essential medication. Forcing patients to navigate unnecessary barriers only exacerbates their challenges and undermines their health.
I urge you to support the substitute language in HB1989 and ensure that all Virginians can access their medication when and where they need it. Thank you for your time and consideration.
Mr. Chair and Members of the Committee, My name is Dr. Dawn Adams, DNP ANP-BC. I have been working in the medical cannabis space since the program's inception. I am writing to testify in strong support of HB1989, specifically the substitute language regarding the delivery of medical cannabis. As you are aware, medical cannabis is a critical medication for many Virginians managing serious health conditions. Allowing delivery to individuals based on their temporary or permanent location is not just a matter of convenience—it’s a matter of access, equity, and common sense. Consider the recent Richmond water crisis. Residents were displaced, and many found themselves in temporary housing, such as hotels. If a patient in that situation ran out of their medication, they would have no way to receive it unless delivery to their temporary location was permitted. Denying delivery in such circumstances undermines the purpose of medical cannabis as a legitimate and essential treatment. There is no medical or safety reason to restrict delivery in this way. To my knowledge, there have been no reported issues with deliveries in Virginia that would justify such limitations. Further, we don’t need to look to other states, as many of their policies reflect mistakes or compromises, we should avoid. Instead, we should make rational, reasonable decisions rooted in the needs of our patients and the realities of their lives. Medical cannabis is medicine. It should be treated with the same respect and consideration as any other essential medication. Forcing patients to navigate unnecessary barriers only exacerbates their challenges and undermines their health. I urge you to support the substitute language in HB1989 and ensure that all Virginians can access their medication when and where they need it. Thank you for your time and consideration.