Expert Addresses Common Misconceptions About Medical Marijuana Use in Patients With Cancer

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Judith Paice discusses many of the misconceptions that people have about the use of medical marijuana for patients with cancer.

The use of medical marijuana, which is available in more than a dozen states across America, is surrounded by stigma, questions and misconceptions.


After polling our readers on what they would like to know about the substance and its use for patients with cancer, CURE interviewed Judith Paice, Ph.D., R.N., research professor, Medicine, Hematology and Oncology at the Feinberg School of Medicine at Northwestern University.

Paice discussed the process, cost, usage and benefits of marijuana usage for patients with cancer.
What are some of the common misconceptions that people have around medical marijuana?

There is often an assumption that this is somehow more potent than what's on the streets or somehow more effective than what is available through other, illicit means. In actuality, it is fairly similar to what is obtained on the street. The advantage is clearly that this would be unadulterated, and so it is definitely a preferred method of obtaining the product if people think that this is something that might benefit them.

It's also amazing how many people think it's covered by insurance. They make that assumption because it's medical, but it's actually not covered.
What is the cost like for these patients?

It varies from state to state. As you know, this is still a schedule 1 narcotic, and so federally, it's still illegal. That's important for people to know. People can't take it across state lines. If they were found to have the drug in one of those states where it's not legal, it is a federal offense. People don't understand that because they think, "Gee! I got it from a medical dispensary!" It doesn't matter.

The cost is somewhat comparable to what people would be paying for the illicit marijuana. It's generally a couple hundred dollars a month.
What is the process like to get the prescription and then the actual product?

Since  it is a federal offense, the doctors don't actually prescribe it. In states where it is “legal,” if you will, the physician typically certifies the patient. What that means is they're certifying that the patient has one of the diagnoses that's approved in that state. Cancer is clearly at the top of the list. They certify that the patient has that disease and, in their best judgement, could benefit from the palliative use of marijuana and also that the doctor has a sustained relationship with that patient. This is not someone who just set up a booth somewhere and is signing off for people they don't know.

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