Pop reefer quiz

Doctors are confused about marijuana in medicine and reefer-al madness is rampant.

Recently, I spent some time with a friend visiting Colorado, where medical and recreational marijuana is legal. He is from another state where the purchase of marijuana is illegal. To make it more complicated, he was treated for an illness in a third state where he received a prescription for medical marijuana. 

He takes THC, in the form  of drops,  for pain he experiences on an almost daily basis, due to sports injuries. So, during his visit, we stopped by one of our numerous pot shops to get a refill. 

The experience highlights some issues:

1. A push for cannabidiol research has gained steam in recent months, with current and former NFL players backing two studies on CBD’s efficacy in alleviating football-related pain without getting them high.

2. My friend was unable to fill his medical marijuana Rx in Colorado because it was not written by a Colorado doctor

3. The transaction was all cash. A handy ATM machine (with associated fees) was in the store.

4. My friend used to take narcotics for pain, but no longer does. 

5. Marijuana use reduces Medicare spending

6. Eight states, including California, will vote to legalize weed either for recreational or medical purposes in November.

7. A group of Democratic lawmakers is renewing pressure on the Drug Enforcement Administration to remove marijuana from its current position on a list of the most dangerous drugs, a category that includes heroin and ecstasy . They failed, but regulations on marijuana research were relaxed and, most assuredly, this is only the beginning of the battle.

8. Here are some side effects of legalizing weed.

9. Child protection agencies and law enforcement are struggling with marijuana use by adults in the presence of children.

10. Interstate pot laws are as archaic as interstate telemedicine laws

Given the bifucated state of federal and state laws and the perplexing science behind the use of marijuana for medicinal purposes, it is no wonder.

When it comes to reefer ed, doctors missed the classes.

Do you think your doctor can answer these 10 questions?

1. What are the indications for medical marijuana?

https://www.mbc.ca.gov/Licensees/Prescribing/medical_marijuana_cma-recommend.pdf 

2. What are the side effects and complications with short term and extended use?

https://www.drugfreeworld.org/drugfacts/marijuana/short-and-long-term-effects.html 

https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/867436?nlid=108916_2863&src=wnl_dne_160816_mscpedit&uac=127058MT&impID=1179349&faf=1 

3. Is marijuana addictive?

4. What are the effects of passive marijuana smoke in children and adults?

5. What are the laws concerning interstate prescribing?

https://www.governing.com/gov-data/state-marijuana-laws-map-medical-recreational.html 

6. What other drugs interact with marijuana?

https://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements/marijuana/interactions/hrb-20059701 

7. How can a doctor know the amount of a certain active pharmaceutical ingredient in a given amount of pot in a store?

https://www.cannabisreports.com/api 

8. How do different strains affect different patients with different diseases?

https://www.leafly.com/explore 

9. How do you know you are getting synthetic pot or not?

10. How are the issues with edibles different from smoking and oils?

 While the Feds have recently eased restrictions on marijuana research, there are still many unanswered questions.

Almost 100 Million Americans use marijuana so it is important for doctors to know about its medicinal value and effects like any other drug, regardless of whether it is legal in the state they practice or not. If Proposition 64 passes in California, a significantly higher number of Americans will be using it.

For now, most doctors would flunk the test. Both patients and doctors have a low ganja IQ.  They need marijuana education and fast. Otherwise, patients will experiment, practice DIY clinical pharmacology and doctors will be stoned cold unaware of what their patients are taking.

Arlen Meyers, MD, MBA is the President and CEO of the Society of Physician Entrepreneurs at www.sopenet.org and author of the Blogbook of Physician Entrepreneurship at www.hcplive.com/contributor/arlen-meyers-md-mba