Author's posts
Federal legalization of cannabis: What does it mean for patients?
I just opened my email inbox to see the following headline: “Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY), Senate Finance Committee Chairman Ron Wyden (D-OR) and Sen. Cory Booker (D-NJ) will finally release a draft of their long-awaited federal cannabis…
A case for changing the way we talk about obesity
You are finger. No, I have fingers. You are leg. No, I have legs. You are pancreas. No, I have a pancreas. You are fat. Hmm … Now let’s try this with disease processes: You are diabetes. No, I have diabetes. You are cancer. No, I have cancer. You are a…
The benefit of video appointments in the world of cannabis medicine
I obtained a master of arts degree in clinical psychology 20 years after receiving my medical degree. One of the first things one learns as a psych student is to “hold the client in unconditional positive regard.” This was a new concept for me as this …
Cannabis stigma continues to impede patient care
“My grandchildren are appalled.” So said the elderly patient I saw yesterday. This lovely woman came to our practice for the treatment of extreme pain. At 99-years of age, she has survived multiple cancers and their associated treatments. S…
Practicing medicine without a license is illegal. Yet cannabis dispensaries are doing it.
I look forward to clinic days. I thoroughly enjoy meeting with patients, hearing how they’re doing, and helping them to feel better – even if, on occasion, the only thing I can do to help is to listen. Yesterday was a clinic day. In the middle of…
Cannabis card-mills have conflicts of interest
Two weeks ago, my piece, “Cannabinoids are medicine, but patients aren’t getting the care they need,” was published. Since that time, I’ve heard from quite a few physicians who admitted that they did not know card-mills existed or, if they …
Cannabinoids are medicine, but patients aren’t getting the care they need
It’s Wednesday at 3:27 p.m. I was just in the kitchen cutting potatoes for a belated birthday dinner which, ironically, will be happening very early this evening. I noticed a missed text on my phone and decided to call back, as was requested. It was fr…
