Navigating Cannabis in Pain Medicine [Part 1]

Join us for an enlightening episode of the Pain Matters Podcast, where we dive deep into the world of medical cannabis and its implications for pain management. Hosts Shravani Durbhakula, MD, MPH, MBA, and Mustafa Broachwala, DO, are joined by Mark Steven Wallace, MD, a Pain Management Specialist and Professor of Anesthesiology at UC San Diego Health, who brings more than two decades of experience in cannabis research.In this episode, you’ll discover: Biologics of Cannabis: Dr. Wallace dives deep into the pathophysiologic mechanism at play regarding endocannabinoid receptors and the mechanism of actions of cannabis in the body, especially as it relates to pain.Medical Cannabis vs. Opioids: Dr. Wallace shares his observations on the lack of tolerance development in patients using medical marijuana compared to traditional opioids.Regulatory and Dosage Challenges: Insights into the complexities of prescribing and dosing medical marijuana, and how these factors impact patient care.Therapeutic Potential: Discussion on the conditions that respond well to medical cannabis based on current research and clinical experience.Patient Stories and Outcomes: Real-world examples of how medical cannabis has impacted patients' lives, particularly in managing chronic pain.Future of Cannabis in Medicine: Dr. Wallace's thoughts on the evolving landscape of medical cannabis research and its future potential in healthcare going forward.This episode is a must-listen for healthcare providers interested in understanding the nuanced role of cannabis in pain management and those looking to integrate evidence-based cannabinoid therapies into their practice.Be sure to subscribe so you don’t miss Part 2 of this nuanced discussion and to find out what’s next for medical cannabis in pain medicine. *Views expressed by our guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of the hosts, their institutions, or the American Academy of Pain Medicine.