Why Healthcare Providers are Well Positioned to Talk to Patients About Medical Marijuana

Healthcare providers are well-positioned to talk to patients about medical and recreational, a.k.a., adult, marijuana, a.k.a., cannabis. However, providers and patients alike experience concerns about discussing the known medical and therapeutic uses of marijuana. This commentary provides a legal overview on how healthcare providers can navigate federal and state legal laws and restrictions to discuss the risks and benefits of marijuana and recommend it to their patients. While marijuana is still federally illegal under Schedule I of the Controlled Substances Act (CSA), providers may not realize that the CSA does not prohibit them from discussing marijuana with their patients as an option for medical and therapeutic treatment. Given the rapidly evolving nature of federal and state laws and regulations, providers are encouraged to consult legal and other advisors to develop policies and procedures that enable them to address the needs of patients who may benefit from marijuana use.