Minnesota has taken a conservative approach to the use of marijuana for medical purposes. Only a little quality research has been done with regards to the use of marijuana for pain. Most of these studies have been done for patients with cancer or eye problems, and current research is focused on seizures.
The reason why marijuana research is moving slowly is because there are all over 100 compounds that may be an active in cannabis. Most medical professionals would like to know both the positive and negative aspects of any intervention. Since there is no significant marijuana research available, it is hard for medical professionals to recommend the use of this compound.
Marijuana in Minnesota
Minnesota’s new marijuana laws allow the use of marijuana for only limited medical diagnoses. At this time, chronic pain is not included in the list of treatment recommendations. Chronic pain is extremely complex, and has multiple causes in most people. A single compound like marijuana is unlikely to be helpful and every person. Determining which group of patients would be helped by such a compound will be difficult due to the variety of conditions that cause pain.
Most physicians in Minnesota will not be prescribing medical marijuana. If you have chronic pain, do not expect a physician to write you a prescription for marijuana, especially since it isn’t approved for recreational use in Minnesota or even nationally. Furthermore, the drug enforcement administration (DEA) can stop a physician from being able to prescribe any medications if they prescribe to known drug abusers. The use of marijuana is not considered a legal medication, and physicians can lose their license if they prescribe to a patient who abuses marijuana.
Alleviating Symptoms
Pain symptoms in some patients may seem to improve with the use of marijuana. There are many compounds in marijuana that may help control a variety of symptoms including anxiety and pain. Most physicians who are prescribing control medications such as narcotics will do a urine drug screen to determine whether street drugs are being used by the patient. Most physicians have a zero tolerance rule for the use of street drugs since they could lose their license if they prescribe to an abuser. If you use marijuana, do not expect to be prescribed narcotic medication. Most pain physicians will work with you to control your symptoms with other treatments that are very effective in managing your problems.
In the distant future, when we know which compounds in marijuana are effective, we may be able to develop more comprehensive treatment plans for patients with chronic pain. Until that time, hopefully the change in laws will promote good research with regards to the active compounds that will be effective in managing pain. More tools to treat pain will always be helpful. Unfortunately, research takes time and these new compounds may take up to 10 years or longer to develop.