We found a match
Your institution may have access to this item. Find your institution then sign in to continue.
- Title
Medical Marijuana for Digestive Disorders: High Time to Prescribe?
- Authors
Gerich, Mark E; Isfort, Robert W; Brimhall, Bryan; Siegel, Corey A
- Abstract
The use of recreational and medical marijuana is increasingly accepted by the general public in the United States. Along with growing interest in marijuana use has come an understanding of marijuana's effects on normal physiology and disease, primarily through elucidation of the human endocannabinoid system. Scientific inquiry into this system has indicated potential roles for marijuana in the modulation of gastrointestinal symptoms and disease. Some patients with gastrointestinal disorders already turn to marijuana for symptomatic relief, often without a clear understanding of the risks and benefits of marijuana for their condition. Unfortunately, that lack of understanding is shared by health-care providers. Marijuana's federal legal status as a Schedule I controlled substance has limited clinical investigation of its effects. There are also potential legal ramifications for physicians who provide recommendations for marijuana for their patients. Despite these constraints, as an increasing number of patients consider marijuana as a potential therapy for their digestive disorders, health-care providers will be asked to discuss the issues surrounding medical marijuana with their patients.
- Subjects
DIGESTIVE system diseases; MEDICAL marijuana; MEDICAL prescriptions; MARIJUANA &; society; PHYSIOLOGICAL effects of marijuana; MARIJUANA laws; PSYCHOSOMATIC medicine
- Publication
American Journal of Gastroenterology (Springer Nature), 2015, Vol 110, Issue 2, p208
- ISSN
0002-9270
- Publication type
Article
- DOI
10.1038/ajg.2014.245