It is inevitable. As medical marijuana becomes more accepted regulations will be implemented to "control" the use, production, and distribution of cannabis medicines. This industry has spent 13 years trying to figure out what is right and what is wrong and all too soon we may just find that out. With the state of CA ruling that cannabis smoke is a carcinogen this may trigger regulation for proper labeling of smokeable medicine. This can be a good thing though because in their efforts to position cannabis as a danger, it also positions cannabis as a legal substance that requires legitimate regulatory practice. In an attempt to diminish the efforts of the community they are also recognizing that medical cannabis is a reality.

Sure, smoked cannabis is not the healthiest way of consuming medicine, but that is a choice for individual patients to make with the consultation of their physician. If there needs to be a label that informs a patient of these possible dangers, then so be it. This also makes way for a legitimate debate about vaporization and other forms of medicating, thus thrusting cannabis to the forefront of a legitimate iscussion about its therapeutic benefit. By acknowledging that some forms of medicating are not safe, are they not stating that other forms of medicating are safe? 

We must seize the moment and begin to address openly the need for regulations in our community. Regulations can be restrictive, but they can also be liberating. As a community we should be encouraged by the process and not let our personal ideologies get in the way of progress. To provide cannabis medicines one should have minimal training and practice safe and effective manufacturing practices. In order for our community to move completely into the mainstream we must begin to address clearly the concerns society has and provide solutions to any issues that have merit. The evolution from growing pot to producing medicine is a necessary one. 

This is no longer a hobby. This is a bona fide industry and as industry leaders, it is our duty to help set and control the regulatory practice. There is no doubt in my mind that we will be regulated. It is up to us if we want to fight the process or work within the process to make it fair and acceptable to fit the community's needs. This is our industry. let us decide what is best practices to keep our patients safe.