Expand your consciousness around medical cannabis (aka marijuana) with expert Dr Donald Abrams, Chief of the Hematology-Oncology Division at San Francisco General Hospital and a Professor of Clinical Medicine at the University of California San Francisco. We explain the cannabinoid system, THC, CBD aka cannabidiol, limitations surrounding cannabis research, current and future medical uses for medical cannabis (marijuana), and potential conditions it may benefit. We take a deep dive on the potential harms of medical cannabis and how to counsel patients on safe use. Plus, the return past guest and new correspondent, Dr Molly Heublein, Assistant Professor of Medicine from UCSF.

Thanks to Dr Molly Heublein for writing and producing this episode and it’s show notes!

Full show notes available at http://thecurbsiders.com/podcast

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Clinical case from Kashlak Memorial:  MM is a 62 yo woman with a history of osteoarthritis and breast cancer, now on an aromatase inhibitor. She struggles with aching and stiffness in her hands, shoulders, knees, and hips. A friend suggested she try medical marijuana. She wants her provider’s opinion on if this is safe and effective.

00:00 Intro

01:30 Picks of the week

03:40 Guest bio

05:11 Getting to know our guest

11:03 Clinical case

11:40 Limitations for cannabis research

12:59 Discussion of THC and cannabidiol

14:50 Smoking versus ingesting cannabis products

16:40 Recap of cannabinoid mechanism of action

18:30 Cannabis and cannabinoid products available

20:20 Synthetic THC (dronabinol)

21:46 How “recommending” cannabis and dispensaries work

25:46 Conditions that respond to medical cannabis

29:15 Potential harms of medical cannabis

34:51 Future directions of cannabinoid medicine research

37:24 Cannabis induced hyperemesis syndrome

39:00 Possible lung cancer risk

40:12 Take home points

42:54 The Curbsiders recap and share their views on the medical cannabis controversy

49:40 Outro