Title : The nurse’s role in patient management of medicinal marijuana
Abstract:
The purpose ofthis presentation isto provide nurses with information about medicinal marijuana and how to provide the best care to patients who are prescribed medicinal marijuana. The cannabis plant has been around forever. However, “in 1996, California became the first state to legalize marijuana for medicinal purposes”(Renehan, 2014).As health care providers and because medicinal marijuana is being legislated in many states, it is essential that nurses understand the difference of Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and Cannabidiol (CBD) and its medicinal effects to provide safe patient care. Is there a difference between THC and CBD? Once nurses learn about its medicinal use, it will be necessary to learn how to provide the best care to patients who are prescribed marijuana for medicinal purposes. It is essential that nurses can answer these questions: Are there any interactions with medications with the patient’s current pharmacological therapy? Is it prudent to allow patients to use edible marijuana while in the hospital? What safety concerns will nurses need to monitor for patients who have been taking medicinal marijuana for many years? What are signs and symptoms of marijuana withdrawal and what can nurses do to help patients during this withdrawal period? Many patients find it easier to talk with nurses and are why being informed and able to answer the above questions about medicinal marijuana is pertinent as these laws become more enacted across the globe.
Audience Take Away:
• Differentiate between Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and Cannabidiol (CBD).
• Identify safety concerns for patients taking medicinal marijuana.
• Recognize signs and symptoms of marijuana withdrawal.
• Apply safe nursing care to patients taking medicinal marijuana.
• This study has the potential to grow and help others expand their research as medicinal marijuana becomes legal globally.
