Michigan May Allow Medical Marijuana In Schools, Should NY Follow

Over the last several years, there has been a lot of talk all around the country about the legality of the medicinal use of marijuana, along with whether cannabis products should be allowed to be used for medical purposes.

New York, like several other states, has changed their drug laws to allow cannabis products to be used, not just for medical purposes with a prescription, but also for recreational reasons.

Those changes around the nation have been met with different levels of support and opposition; however, some states have been moving forward with their plans to make it easier for people to access and legally use marijuana-related products.

One of those pushes is happening in Michigan, and some folks in the Empire State wonder if New York should follow.

Michigan May Allow Medical Marijuana In Its Schools

CBS News has details about a proposal that would change laws in Michigan to begin letting students use medical marijuana and cannabis in school.

Just like a nurse can distribute acetaminophen or ibuprofen with parents' permission in school, if passed, these new bills would allow the drugs to be administered as long as the student has a medical prescription.

What it does is allow medical marijuana pediatric patients to have their medication in the schools the same way anyone else has their medications stored... The same way, whether it be in a nurse's office or an administration office, they would go up and access their medication the same way anyone else would, and they would go back to class.
-Jimmie Wilson Jr, Michigan State House Representative, 32nd District

The package of laws being debated in the Michigan legislature is Jaden's Law, named after Jayden Carter, a boy who's suffered from multiple ailments since he was born.

Should New York Allow Medical Marijuana In Schools?

While the Empire State officially legalized adult-use cannabis in 2021 with the passage of the Marihuana Regulation and Taxation Act (MRTA), as it stands today, the New York State Senate and Assembly have no pending plans to allow those under the age of 21 to use cannabis or cannabis-related products legally.

New York State's current position is that cannabis use for those under the age of 21 can be harmful to growing brains and have long-term health and social impacts.

Negative cognitive effects can include difficulty thinking and solving problems, problems with memory and learning, reduced coordination, difficulty maintaining attention, and problems with school and social life after consistent consumption.
-New York State Office of Cannabis Management

It doesn't look like New York will be following along, but should it?