The AMA Code of Ethics outlines that physicians should work to change unjust laws and that the patient-physician relationship is based on patient autonomy, informed consent, and the right to accept or refuse treatment. It also states that the practice of medicine is a moral activity aimed at caring for patients and alleviating suffering. Additionally, the AMA policy supports reviewing marijuana's status to facilitate research into cannabinoid medicines, but does not endorse state medical cannabis programs or legalizing marijuana.

1. AMA CODE OF ETHICS

2. AMA Code of Ethics
• Opinion 1.02 - The Relation of Law and
Ethics
• In general, when physicians believe a law is
unjust, they should work to change the law.

3. AMA Code of Ethics
• Opinion 10.01 - Fundamental Elements of the
Patient-Physician Relationship
• The patient has the right to receive
information from physicians and to discuss the
benefits, risks, and costs of appropriate
treatment alternatives.
• The patient has the right to make decisions
regarding the health care that is recommended
by his or her physician. Accordingly, patients
may accept or refuse any recommended
medical treatment.

4. AMA Code of Ethics
• Opinion 10.015 - The Patient-Physician
Relationship
• The practice of medicine, and its
embodiment in the clinical encounter
between a patient and a physician, is
fundamentally a moral activity that arises
from the imperative to care for patients and
to alleviate suffering.

5. AMA Code of Ethics
• Opinion 10.02 - Patient Responsibilities
• The principle of patient autonomy holds
that an individual’s physical, emotional, and
psychological integrity should be respected
and upheld. This principle also recognizes
the human capacity to self-govern and
choose a course of action from among
different alternative options.

6. AMA Policy
• Our AMA urges that marijuana’s status as a federal
Schedule I controlled substance be reviewed with the
goal of facilitating the conduct of clinical research and
development of cannabinoid-based medicines, and
alternate delivery methods. This should not be
viewed as an endorsement of state-based medical
cannabis programs, the legalization of marijuana, or
that scientific evidence on the therapeutic use of
cannabis meets the current standards for a
prescription drug product. (New HOD Policy)
•