Yesterday in my Long Beach office I tool care of a 31 year old women who was diagnosed with Sjogren Syndrome.    Specifically, she was using medical marijuana to treat joint pain in her hips, knees and shoulders which is very common in this illness.   She stated that for the past three months she [...]

A new analysis of over 38,000 patients who used Non Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAID’s) showed a 17% increase in the risk of atrial fibrillation.    Common NSAID’s used by patients are ibuprofen (Motrin) and Naprosyn (Alleve) to treat a variety of ailments.    Because they are sold over the counter and handed out by physicians [...]

Today I took care of 79 year old women who suffers chronic pain from severe arthritis in her hands, hips and feet. For the past 10 years she has used medical marijuana exclusively. She did bring in a plastic bag full of old medications and dumped them on my desk. They consisted of NSAID’s, Opiates, Muscle Relaxants, Benzodiazepines, Sleep Aids and a antacid for reflux.

She was happy to report that since she started using medical marijuana she has not had to take one other medication! Cannabis use in the elderly is rapidly increasing. Elderly people socialize together and talk. As soon as she told all her friends at Leisure World about her success they are ready to sign up. READ ON…

Today in my Long Beach office I evaluated a 42 year old male who had been using medical marijuana to treat the pain and inflammation associated with Tietze’s Syndrome. Tietz’es Syndrome is an inflammatory process that affects the junction where the ribs attach to the sternum. This area is known as the costo-cartilage. This patient describes having sever bouts of chest wall pain which in the past have required toradol injections, heavy NSAID doses and even opiate use. Currently his symptoms are treated exclusively with medical marijuana. READ ON…

A recent study examining the safety of Non-Steroidal Anti Inflammatory Drugs (NSAID’s) demonstrated in increase risk of cardiovascular disease. Examples of NSAID are drugs like Motrin, Ibuprofen, Alleve, Naprosyn are used all the time by patients for any type of pain. They are also prescribed by physicians regularly. The bottom line is the data is showing that they are not safe and should only be used occasionally and not daily as patients typically do. This is why using medical marijuana is growing in popularity. It produces similar anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects and has been used safely for thousands of years. READ ON…

A recent study performed by researches at McGill University in Montreal demonstrated a reduction in pain in patients who used medical marijuana. Here is the link to the article regarding the study.

http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-504763_162-20015148-10391704.html

Although the study had only 23 patients in its pool I think their findings align with my conversations with over 5000 patients who I have treated for chronic pain. READ ON…

Today in Long Beach I took care of a 54 year old man who uses medical marijuana to control chronic pain after having 7 back surgeries. In the past he was a chronic user of opiates and NSAID’s such as Alleve, Motrin and Acetaminphen (Tylenol) but developed RENAL CELL CARCINOMA (KIDNEY CANCER) as a result of his chronic use of NSAIDS and just last month had to have his right kidney removed. READ MORE….

Today in my Irvine office I took care of a 56 year old man who uses medical marijuana to treat his acute attacks of Gouty Arthritis. He has had 4 attacks since my initial evaluation last year and states that he can not take typical doses of NSAIDS (alleve/motrin/indomethicin) because of a history of gastric ulcers (as a result of overuse if NSAIDS). In addition to diet modification, alcohol elimination and regular exercise, this patient can expect to get moderate relief of his pain and inflammation with cannabis alone.

Last week I had a patient who suffered from Transverse Myelitis come in for a medical marijuana recommendation. She was the first patient that I have taken care of with this problem. However today I had a 61 year old women who came in with a 10 year history of Transverse Myelitis and she complained of a burning pain in her left leg that makes it extremely difficult for her to sleep. She also has complete numbness to pressure in that leg. It wasn’t until recently, after her sons begged her to try, that she found cannabis not only reduces the pain but allows her to sleep through the night! Amazing.

As medical director for Medical Cannabis of Southern California I often evaluate women who suffer from pre-menstrual syndrome (PMS)/premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD). They often complain of headache, pelvic pain, breast pain, difficulty sleeping, bloating, irritability, anxiety, depression and an inability to concentrate. Typically the standard treatment that their doctors prescribe do not work well enough and they would like to try cannabis. I have seen amazing results with women who vaporize cannabis to treat their PMS.