Our patients are likely struggling with cannabis more than you realize. While medical and recreational legalization have been moving quickly and seem like “it’s all fun and games”, the reality is that our patients, whether using medically or recreationally, need our intervention and guidance more than ever.
There are certain things in life you just shouldn’t do for yourself. Medical decision-making and treatment is one of those things.
You would think that it would be obvious to our patients - You shouldn’t do your own dental extractions, you shouldn’t do your own surgical procedures, and you shouldn’t take medications not prescribed by a medical professional. So, why then, is it not equally obvious to our patients when it comes to cannabis?
The answer to this stems from their (and our) failing to address cannabis use as a medical issue. Treatment with cannabinoids requires careful patient education, specific guidance on products and how to use them, and frequent follow-up to ensure a good outcome. This is no different from any other medication. Even those who are simply using cannabis recreationally require our guidance to ensure that they are doing so safely.
The harms to patients who are not receiving guidance from clinicians may be subtle compared to opioid misuse, but are real nonetheless. Patients think dispensaries are like pharmacies and confer trust on the salespeople (aka budtenders) as though they were educated pharmacists (they’re not). They inadvisedly trust the recommendations of the sellers, who in reality solely want to sell a lot of product. They end up buying products that are not medically appropriate or safe, and buying in vast amounts which leads to over-use of cannabis. Additionally, this causes harm from misspent money and, for medical patients, delay to treatment success.
As a medical professional, what can you do to ensure the best outcomes and safety for your patients?
1. Ask your patients. Find out what they’re taking and why.
A. As with all medications, it is crucial that you find out what your patients are taking and this includes cannabis. While cannabis can be used medically or for fun, you should be able to give guidance to assure best outcomes and to avoid over-use or misuse. Further, certain cannabinoids (CBD in particular) can interact negatively with their other medications. Counseling on driving safety, risks of daytime use, and other details need to be brought up by you and discussed with your patients.
B. If they are presently self-medicating, or have a medical card with no guidance and follow-up from a prescribing physician, you should intervene to provide the needed guidance. You may want to refer them to a Cannabinoid Specialist who can help them get the most benefit and least side effects (and save money) by using the right product, the right dose, and the right timing, as well as having an expert clinician providing the patient with safe and effective healthcare
2. Learn more about cannabis so you can talk confidently with your patients about the safe use, medical benefits, risks, and more as well as answer their basic questions and dispel any myths before they step foot in the dispensary.
The Association of Cannabinoid Specialists encourages clinicians, including physicians, nurse practitioners, physician assistants, pharmacists, and others to educate themselves in order to better communicate about cannabis use and cannabinoid medication with their patients.
ACS now offers an Introduction to Cannabinoid Medicine, the most up-to-date course in the study of cannabinoid medicine. This 3-hour CME AMA PRA Category 1 Credit™ enduring video presentation covers the basic science of the Endocannabinoid System in humans, basic chemistry of cannabinoid medications, delivery systems, and much more.
This CME course also has a focus on interactive learning, with case studies throughout the material, and an exam at the end of the course. CME certification will be provided upon successful completion of certification exam.
The course is presented by President and Founder of the Association of Cannabinoid Specialists, Jordan Tishler, MD.
The Introduction to Cannabinoid Medicine course is broken into several sections: Introduction to the Endocannabinoid System and Common Cannabinoids; Therapeutic Implementation of Cannabinoids (and Cases); Risks and Special Groups (and Cases); Challenges; Accreditation Exam; and a Post Course Survey.
As a clinician, it is your duty to be educated with the most up-to-date information to best serve your patients. ACS is proud to provide medical professionals with the opportunity to learn more and apply that knowledge in the clinical setting. And don't forget, ACS members receive 20% off!