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Medical cannabis is still illegal under federal law in the U.S. However, this federal law hasn’t deterred 37 states from legalizing marijuana for medical purposes. It’s critical that healthcare leaders and physicians remain guided by medicine and science to provide accurate, honest info so they can make the best decisions for their patients.

Cannabis, a plant used as medicine and for recreational purposes, has positives and negatives. Medical experts say they need more research to determine the most appropriate, safest ways to use medicinal cannabis.

Is cannabis safe to use for medical purposes? How do you get it? Do you have to smoke it? What conditions can it potentially help?

In Episode 40, Dr. G and his guests, Leslie Mendoza Temple, MD and Shalu Gugnani, MD, discuss what medical cannabis can do, how it works and the pros and cons everyone should know.

• Leslie Mendoza Temple, MD, ABOIM – Double board-certified integrative medicine and family medicine physician; Owen L. Coon Chair of Integrative Medicine and Medical Director, Integrative Medicine Program at Northshore University Health System; Clinical Associate Professor of Family Medicine at University of Chicago Pritzker School of Medicine.
• Shalu Gugnani, MD, FASAM – Double board-certified addiction medicine and family medicine physician; Medical Director of Addiction Medicine at Northwest Community Healthcare. 

Myths vs. Facts

“Today’s cannabis is more potent than it was in previous generations.” - Fact
The cannabis from the 1990s had 2-3 percent THC content. In the 2010s, cannabis had THC concentrations up to 17 percent. Today, it can be up to 45 percent.

“Medical cannabis isn’t that dangerous.” - Myth
Its safety depends on how, and how much of it, is used.

“Medical cannabis is a gateway drug.” - Myth
There are controversies about that. But certified medical cannabis users under the observation of a physician are less likely to move on to stronger drugs.

“Medical cannabis isn’t addictive.” - Depends
Some people are more likely than others to develop a substance use disorder.

“Medical cannabis can cause psychosis.” - Fact
It has been known to cause hallucinations or bad trips, particularly when someone takes cannabis with a high THC content.

“Cannabis has medicinal or therapeutic value.” - Fact
There is evidence that cannabis is helpful for a variety of conditions.

“My doctor can write me a prescription for medical cannabis.” - Myth
A doctor can certify a patient for eligibility.

Listener healthy OH-YEAH!

“I had PRP done on my knee almost 2 years ago after many years, thinking I needed knee replacement. The best thing I ever did.” – S.R.P.

Additional resources

• Marijuana: a gateway drug that keeps growing stronger
• Gummy bears incident abrupt reminder of marijuana dangers
• How will legalizing pot affect the health of our communities?
• CBD oil: What is it and how does it work?
• Does chronic pain have you depressed?