Baby boomers turn to alternative solutions for pain management
Posted 11-16-2015 at 01:30 PM by DavidRaonic
People who suffer from chronic pain know that it can affect almost every aspect of daily life. Tasks that once seemed simple become increasingly difficult. While there are a range of medical treatment options, not all of them provide the results that patients are looking for.
One new pain management solution that many patients are turning to is medical cannabis. Dr. Robert Sealey and Dr. David Hepburn, general practitioners in British Columbia, see more baby boomers in their practice asking about medical cannabis than any other demographic. Most are unfamiliar with cannabis, even as a recreational product and they have all been previously prescribed many other medications to help with various conditions. “Their backs are up against the wall and they're looking for an alternative to help cope with their pain,” explains Sealey.
If you are considering using medical cannabis, here are some issues to discuss with your doctor:
Is it legal?
Any physician in Canada can prescribe medical cannabis, and once you and your doctor have completed all of the necessary forms you are legally able to purchase your cannabis directly from one of Health Canada's licensed producers.
How does it work?
There are over 100 different compounds called cannabinoids in the cannabis plant, the two most researched to date are delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD). THC is what gives cannabis the reputation of creating a “high”, or being psychoactive; where CBD is a non-psychoactive component.
How do you use it?
Sealey and Hepburn recommend using a vaporizer because the cannabis isn't combusted like it is with smoking. Edible cannabis oils are also now legally available, ideal for people who would have a challenge with vaporization or smoking, including those with lung conditions and patients in palliative care.
Where can I find more information?
Start by Googling your condition and cannabis to find out what's being done. Taking an article to your doctor is an easy way to open up the discussion. "We want doctors to be open-minded and to continue to listen to and learn from our patients," says Hepburn. Medical evidence is growing quickly, with over 12,000 journal articles and clinical trials showing cannabis to be beneficial.
Are there licensed producers?
If your physician hasn't prescribed medical cannabis before, they may not know which balance of cannabinoids and dose to prescribe. Hepburn explains, “In some cases, licensed producers, such as CanniMed, have pharmacists available to give you and your doctor advice about strains and doses.”
One new pain management solution that many patients are turning to is medical cannabis. Dr. Robert Sealey and Dr. David Hepburn, general practitioners in British Columbia, see more baby boomers in their practice asking about medical cannabis than any other demographic. Most are unfamiliar with cannabis, even as a recreational product and they have all been previously prescribed many other medications to help with various conditions. “Their backs are up against the wall and they're looking for an alternative to help cope with their pain,” explains Sealey.
If you are considering using medical cannabis, here are some issues to discuss with your doctor:
Is it legal?
Any physician in Canada can prescribe medical cannabis, and once you and your doctor have completed all of the necessary forms you are legally able to purchase your cannabis directly from one of Health Canada's licensed producers.
How does it work?
There are over 100 different compounds called cannabinoids in the cannabis plant, the two most researched to date are delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD). THC is what gives cannabis the reputation of creating a “high”, or being psychoactive; where CBD is a non-psychoactive component.
How do you use it?
Sealey and Hepburn recommend using a vaporizer because the cannabis isn't combusted like it is with smoking. Edible cannabis oils are also now legally available, ideal for people who would have a challenge with vaporization or smoking, including those with lung conditions and patients in palliative care.
Where can I find more information?
Start by Googling your condition and cannabis to find out what's being done. Taking an article to your doctor is an easy way to open up the discussion. "We want doctors to be open-minded and to continue to listen to and learn from our patients," says Hepburn. Medical evidence is growing quickly, with over 12,000 journal articles and clinical trials showing cannabis to be beneficial.
Are there licensed producers?
If your physician hasn't prescribed medical cannabis before, they may not know which balance of cannabinoids and dose to prescribe. Hepburn explains, “In some cases, licensed producers, such as CanniMed, have pharmacists available to give you and your doctor advice about strains and doses.”
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