Vital Signs: Repercussions of legalizing medical pot in Maine

Medical marijuana rose high on the list of Maine health headlines this week.

New data shows teens in states that legalized the drug as medicine for adults are more likely to consume edible marijuana products, which some worry will lead to more abuse among adolescents. The news comes as advocates of legalizing marijuana for recreational purposes in Maine gear up for what they hope will be a 2016 statewide referendum.

Authorities have set their sights on the drug, with Maine now requiring health providers to certify medical pot patients online, and state police seeking to establish a legal limit for driving under the influence of marijuana, similar to the state’s drunken driving law.

In Bangor, a group of patients tired of hiding their medical marijuana use is renting a space downtown, rather than lighting up in their cars in a city parking garage.

Other top health stories this week:

Mercy credits EMHS merger with financial turnaround in 2014

Portland-based Mercy Health System announced Wednesday it finished with a net financial gain during its first year as a part of Brewer-based Eastern Maine Healthcare Systems, reversing two years of losses.

Co-founder of Mabel Wadsworth retiring in May, leaves behind legacy

Ruth Lockhart leaves spent 30 years witnessing and advocating for changes to women’s health care in Maine and around the nation.

 

From our bloggers

Bobbi McCarthy, Love Nursing

Twas the Night Before Christmas and the Nurse is at Work

The patients are snuggled all safe in their beds/While drug induced dreams dance in their heads.

Jim LaPierre, Recovery Rocks

Finding Your Tribe is the Key to a Better Life

I used to feel bad about not belonging. Then I met people like me and I found places where I belong and people who claim me as “family.”

Compiled by BDN Health Editor Jackie Farwell

Jackie Farwell

About Jackie Farwell

I'm the health editor for the Bangor Daily News, a Bangor native, a UMaine grad, and a weekend crossword warrior. I never get sick of writing about Maine people, geeking out over health care data, and finding new ways to help you stay well. I live in Gorham with my husband Nick and our hound dog Riley.