Neil H. Baum, MD, presented “The Latest Dope on Medical Marijuana” for the Grand Rounds in Urology audience in December 2021.
How to cite: Baum, Neil H. “The Latest Dope on Medical Marijuana.” December 2021. Accessed Dec 2024. https://grandroundsinurology.com/the-latest-dope-on-medical-marijuana/
The Latest Dope on Medical Marijuana – Summary
Grand Rounds in Urology Contributing Editor Neil H. Baum, MD, Professor of Urology at Tulane Medical School, discusses the latest research on medical marijuana, noting that it is increasingly popular with patients and that almost all physicians, including urologists, should expect questions about it. He gives a brief history of cannabis, from its use as an herbal medicine in 500 BCE, to its criminalization in 1937 and, eventually, to its legalization for both medical and recreational uses over the last few decades. Dr. Baum then defines several terms, explaining the difference between cannabidiol (CBD), which is not psychoactive and has anti-inflammatory properties, and tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), which is psychoactive and increases appetite. He lists the conditions marijuana is purportedly beneficial for including chronic pain, alcohol and drug addiction, insomnia, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, social anxiety, nausea and vomiting associated with chemotherapy, gastrointestinal disorders, multiple sclerosis, and certain forms of epilepsy. Dr. Baum notes that while there is some evidence supporting marijuana’s benefits for several of these conditions, randomized controlled trials are needed to substantiate many claims.
For more commentary on practice management from Dr. Baum, visit his Improving Your Urology Practice page.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Neil H. Baum, MD, is a Clinical Professor of Urology at Tulane Medical School in New Orleans, Louisiana. He is also a retired urologic surgeon. Additionally, Dr. Baum serves as the Medical Advisor to Vanguard Communications Group. Dr. Baum is the author of Marketing Your Clinical Practice - Ethically, Effectively, and Economically, which is in its 4th edition, has sold over 175,000 copies, and has been translated into Spanish. He also wrote The Complete Business Guide to a Successful Medical Practice, which was published in 2015. Dr. Baum was the columnist for American Medical News for more than 25 years. Dr. Baum also wrote the popular column, “The Bottom Line,” for Urology Times for more than 20 years. He is a requested speaker each year to the Practice Management Seminar for the American Urological Association (AUA), where he discusses techniques for making urology practices more efficient and more productive. He has written more than 9 books on practice management and over 250 peer-reviewed articles on various urologic topics. Dr. Baum is also the medical advisor to Vanguard Communications Group.
