NCIA White PAPER: Vireo’s own Paloma Lehfeldt, MD, Director of Medical Education, and Stephen Dahmer, MD, Chief Medical Officer, have published a white paper on the Medicine of Cannabis, along with four other doctors, providing information for policy makers and medical professionals about the science, history and uses of medical cannabis.

The white paper discusses the history of cannabis prohibition, and its current legal environment. While legal uses and restrictions vary from state to state – some states allow medicinal use for different medical conditions than others, while some states allow adult use, and others prohibit all uses – the U.S. federal government still classifies cannabis as a Schedule I Controlled Substance. Because it is still classified as an illegal drug at the federal level, scientists and doctors in the United States face much greater restrictions on research efforts than do scientists and doctors in parts of Europe and Israel.

This accessible text provides trainee human service providers and those currently working in the field with a comprehensive, cutting-edge overview of topics related to the medical and therapeutic use of cannabis. Employing an interdisciplinary, biopsychosocial framework, the book explores the different biological, cultural, and policy contexts of medical cannabis from a wide range of perspectives including practitioners, academics, and medical cannabis advocates. This book bridges the gap between theory and practice and underscores the urgent need for expanded and rigorous scientific research as medical cannabis is increasingly legalized, that may result in new cannabis-based medicines and help in identifying what health risks cannabis use may present. Chapters are both evidence-based and practical, weaving in learning objectives, review questions, and varied case examples, all of which will prepare students and professionals for the reality of working with medical cannabis consumers.

The prevalence of medical cannabis (MC) use in patients with cancer is growing, but questions about safety, efficacy, and dosing remain. Conducting randomized, controlled trials (RCTs) using state-sponsored MC programs is novel and could provide data needed to guide patients and providers.

Simultaneous Quantification of 13 Cannabinoids and Metabolites in Human Plasma by Liquid Chromatography Tandem Mass Spectrometry in Adult Epilepsy Patients – MinnMed Patients with Vireo Capsules

Food Effect on Pharmacokinetics of Cannabidiol Oral Capsules in Adult Patients with Refractory Epilepsy

Public acceptance of Cannabis sativa L. (cannabis) as a therapeutic option grows despite lags in both research and clinician familiarity. Cannabis-whether as a medical, recreational, or illicit substance-is and has been commonly used by patients. With ongoing decriminalization efforts, decreased perception of harms, and increased use of cannabis in the treatment of symptoms and disease, it is critical for clinicians to understand the rationale for specific therapies and their medical and practical implications for patients. In view of the opioid crisis, overall patient dissatisfaction, and lack of adherence to current chronic pain and headache therapies, this review provides up-to-date knowledge on cannabis as a potential treatment option for headache pain.

A questionnaire of older men and women suffering from chronic pain who were given medical marijuana found that the drug significantly reduced pain and their need for opioid painkillers.

The results of the study, “Older Adults’ Use of Medical Marijuana for Chronic Pain: A Multisite Community-Based Survey,” were presented on May 3, 2018 at the annual meeting of the American Geriatrics Society in Orlando, FL.

Medical marijuana can significantly reduce pain levels in older adults and reduce their need for opioid pain medication, according to a small study of cannabis users. The findings add to growing — and sometimes conflicting evidence — that medical marijuana reduces demand for prescription opioids.

To gauge how effective medical marijuana is at managing chronic pain and reducing opioid use, researchers at Northwell Health, a healthcare network based in New York State, surveyed 138 patients who started using medical marijuana in the previous month. The patients have chronic conditions such as osteoarthritis, spinal stenosis, and chronic hip and knee pain.

Medical marijuana reduces pain in older patients and helps reduce opioid dependence, according to a new report. Researchers at Northwell Health conducted a questionnaire of older men and women to assess the efficacy of cannabis for pain management.

The most stunning revelation of the report shows that 91 percent of seniors would recommend medical marijuana to others. The results of the study, “Older Adults’ Use of Medical Marijuana for Chronic Pain: A Multisite Community-Based Survey,” give doctors a glance at how specifically cannabis aids elderly Americans. The researchers surveyed 138 medical marijuana users with an anonymous 20-question survey focusing on how often they used the marijuana, in what form they took it, how much it reduced pain and whether or not they were able to cut back their use of other painkillers.

When Used Correctly, Medical Cannabis Is Compassionate, Not a Conundrum

Editorial on medical benefits of Cannabis – Vireo Health Chief Medical Officer – Stephen Dahmer, MD – titled, “Transitions”.

Regulatory barriers limit clinical trials of medical cannabis in the United States. Longitudinal cohort studies may be one feasible alternative that could yield clinically relevant information. Willingness to participate in such studies is not known.

In July 2014, New York State became the 23rd state to legalize marijuana (“cannabis”) for medical consumption under the New York State Medical Marijuana Program(“Program”). Three years later, during his Executive budget address, the NYS Governor, Honorable Cuomo, directed the Department of Health in consultation with other NYS agencies, to evaluate the experience, consequences and effects of legalized marijuana in neighboring states and territories, and to review the health, criminal justice and economic impacts of regulating marijuana use. That report concluded that the positive effects of a regulated marijuana market outweighed the potential negative impacts.