On Jan. 1, 2020, a federal agency that sends billions of dollars to states to combat addiction tried

to clear up confusion over money and marijuana rules. The agency said patients who used medical marijuana for substance use or mental health disorders could still benefit from federal money, as long as they worked toward alternative treatment options.

In Pennsylvania, the email went to Ellen DiDomenico, deputy secretary for the Department

of Drug and Alcohol Programs. DiDomenico asked other department leaders whether to

share the clarification with addiction treatment providers and county drug and alcohol offices.

But DiDomenico’s Jan. 1 message received no email reply, according to the department. Officials decided not to share the clarification, which left those on the front line of the opioid epidemic confused about how they could spend government money.

On Jan. 1, 2020, a federal agency that sends billions of dollars to states to combat addiction tried to clear up confusion over money and marijuana rules. The agency said patients who used medical marijuana for substance use or mental health disorders could still benefit from federal money, as long as they worked toward alternative treatment options.

In Pennsylvania, the email went to Ellen DiDomenico, deputy secretary for the Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs. DiDomenico asked other department leaders whether to share the clarification with addiction treatment providers and county drug and alcohol offices.

But DiDomenico’s Jan. 1 message received no email reply, according to the department. Officials decided not to share the clarification, which left those on the front line of the opioid epidemic confused about how they could spend government money.