Court: Federal Law Bars Cannabis as Treatment Under LHWCA

Cannabis can't qualify as reasonable and necessary medical treatment under the Longshore Harbor and Workers' Compensation Act because it remains a Schedule I drug under federal law, the U.S. 2nd Circuit Court of Appeals ruled Thursday. Growing acceptance of cannabis having some medicinal value — and an apparent willingness of the federal government to entertain rescheduling — are irrelevant in Luis Peña Garcia's request for reimbursement for edibles recommended to treat chronic pain. All that matters is that Schedule I drugs have no accepted medical use under th...