Dr. Larry A. Bedard, MD

Media Releases

Marin Healthcare District Leader Celebrates Milestones in Public Health and Cannabis Legislation

Marin, CA – Dr. Larry Bedard, Chair of the Board of Directors for Marin Healthcare District, has been a pivotal force in the advocacy for cannabis legislation, policy reform, and medical research. With over three decades of experience in emergency medicine, Dr. Bedard has dedicated his career to improving public health and ensuring equitable access to medical care, solidifying his reputation as a prominent “physician politician.”

Dr. Bedard, a former Chairman of the California Emergency Physicians and a prominent leader in emergency medicine is proud to highlight his pivotal role in shaping the future of emergency care in California. His advocacy and leadership were instrumental in ensuring that comprehensive emergency care became a legal right for all patients, a critical development in the evolution of emergency medicine.

Before Dr. Bedard became involved, the law did not guarantee emergency medical care. In the early 1980s, Dr. Bedard, then Chair of the Board of California Emergency Physicians. CEP California Emergency Physicians was a partnership of emergency medicine specialists that staffed approximately 32 emergency departments across California. Dr. Bedard collaborated closely with Congressman Pete Stark (D-CA), who represented the East Bay region of California. Together, they worked tirelessly to revise the Emergency Medical Treatment and Labor Act (EMTALA), ultimately ensuring that on-call physicians were legally defined as “responsible physicians.”

Dr. Bedard’s legacy encompasses significant achievements that have transformed emergency medicine into a recognized specialty and established emergency care as a legal right for all individuals. He has played an instrumental role in shaping the conversation around cannabis legalization, advocating for its medical benefits and responsible use. As a current member of the American Medical Association’s Cannabis Task Force, he continues to influence policy at the highest levels.

In 2009, Dr. Bedard authored Resolution 704-09, which urged the California Medical Association (CMA) to support the legalization and taxation of marijuana. His efforts led to the CMA’s Reference Committee acknowledging the prohibition of marijuana as a public health failure. This pivotal moment propelled Dr. Bedard to become the physician advocate and spokesperson for Proposition 19, an initiative aimed at legalizing cannabis in California.

His commitment to cannabis legislation did not stop there. In 2011, he helped establish the CMA’s Legalization and Taxation of Marijuana Technical Advisory Committee (TAC), which recommended comprehensive policies for cannabis legalization. The subsequent acceptance of the TAC’s background paper, “Cannabis Legalization and the Regulatory Void,” marked a significant milestone in the push for responsible cannabis regulation.

Dr. Bedard’s influence extended beyond California when he became the physician spokesperson for the Colorado initiative that legalized recreational cannabis use in 2012. His expertise and advocacy were crucial in shaping the narrative around cannabis and its potential benefits.

The culmination of Dr. Bedard’s efforts came with the passage of Proposition 64 in 2016, which legalized adult use of marijuana in California with over 70% of the vote. His collaboration with organizations like the California Nursing Association and the rebuttal to opposition arguments underscored his commitment to public health and responsible cannabis policies.

Dr. Bedard’s tireless advocacy continues to resonate, as he champions the cause of equitable healthcare and responsible cannabis use, ensuring that future generations benefit from his groundbreaking work.

Dr. Bedard’s greatest accomplishment is his two wonderful and accomplished daughters, Emily and Lindsay.

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