17
August
2021
|
17:29 PM
America/New_York

More Rheumatology Patients Are Using Medical Marijuana: Are You Ready?

Medscape features the perspective of Karmela Kim Chan, MD, rheumatologist at HSS, about the increased use of medical marijuana by patients with rheumatic disease and the latest data available.

Dr. Chan explained, “In rheumatology, the use of cannabis and cannabinoids is seductive for patients who worry about potential adverse effects of disease modifiers, or who are frustrated by their chronic pain.”

She cited a recent study that found the prevalence of cannabis use tripled between 2014 and 2019 from 6.3% to 18.4%. Yet, the patients who used cannabis products had poorer pain control than nonusers.

Dr. Chan stated, “When it comes to medical marijuana, the popularity of the subject has outpaced the state of our knowledge. So much remains unknown regarding the mechanisms and efficacy of medical marijuana. The FDA has issued guidance for conducting research on this and related compounds, and before long, one hopes, we will have more clarity about it.”

Read the full article at Medscape.com.