Medical Marijuana and Other Cannabinoids _____________________________________________________
CONTRAINDICATIONS AND PRECAUTIONS At this time, experts recommend limiting medical cannabis use to adults older than 18 years of age [14; 231]. There are several other contraindications to the use of medical mari- juana, including [14; 231]: • Current, past, or family history of schizophrenia or other psychotic disorders • History of hypersensitivity to cannabinoids or smoke • Severe cardiopulmonary disease • Severe liver or renal disease • Pregnancy or planned pregnancy • Breastfeeding Cannabis may be considered with caution for patients with the following factors when alternatives have been ineffective/ poorly tolerated, the benefit/risk ratio closely evaluated, and
For patients who are not proficient in English, it is important that information regarding the benefits and risks associated with the use of medical marijuana and other cannabinoids be provided in their native language, if possible. When there is an obvious disconnect in the communication process between the practitioner and patient due to the patient’s lack of proficiency in the English language, an interpreter is required. Interpreters can be a valuable resource to help bridge the communication and cultural gap between patients and practitioners. Interpret- ers are more than passive agents who translate and transmit information back and forth from party to party. When they are enlisted and treated as part of the interdisciplinary clinical team, they serve as cultural brokers who ultimately enhance the clinical encounter. In any case in which information regarding treatment options and medication/treatment measures are being provided, the use of an interpreter should be considered. Print materials are also available in many languages, and these should be offered whenever necessary. CONCLUSION Medical marijuana has become a hot topic in health care. Initiatives to either legalize or prohibit marijuana use for medi- cal purposes are being legislated by politicians or presented to voters in numerous municipalities. The preponderance of information on this subject seems to come from highly visible individuals or groups who either vehemently oppose or pas- sionately advocate legal access to medical cannabis. What is most needed is a comprehensive presentation of the scientific facts from a dispassionate, evidence-based perspective. This course has reviewed the body of research on medical can- nabis to provide the most current information on potential indications, pharmacology and mechanism of action, acute and chronic side effects, and contraindications for medicinal cannabis. A clear understanding of the potential uses of can- nabinoids in the treatment of various medical conditions will benefit patients and healthcare providers alike.
with sufficient monitoring [14; 231]: • Smoked cannabis in patients with asthma or COPD • History of substance abuse • Non-psychotic psychiatric condition (e.g., anxiety, panic attacks) • Current CNS depressant therapy
PATIENT EDUCATION If a patient is prescribed a cannabinoid or medical cannabis, he or she should be advised of possible memory impairment and instructed to report any mental or behavioral changes. In addition, operating a vehicle or heavy machinery is not recom- mended after having taken the drug, and patients should limit or abstain from alcohol. All patients should be monitored for outcomes, similar to the processes used for opioid follow-up monitoring. Any con- comitant medications and drug interactions should also be monitored. For example, there is little evidence of clinically significant CYP450 interactions, but co-administration may potentiate somnolence [123; 177; 221]. Side effects should be noted and reported; however, it is important to note that tolerance may develop over time to side effects of mild-to- moderate severity. Smoking or vaporization should cease if a patient begins experiencing disorientation, dizziness, ataxia, agitation, anxiety, tachycardia and orthostatic hypotension, depression, hallucinations, or psychosis [14].
WORKS CITED https://qr2.mobi/Med-Marijuana
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