For many kids with chronic health conditions, a growing number of parents are considering the use of medical marijuana to ease their suffering. Unfortunately, there is limited and questionable data to guide pediatricians and pediatric specialists in managing these requests. When a parent recently asked me to prescribe marijuana for her child with severe autism and behavior problems, I froze and eventually said, “Let me do some research and get back to you.” I found an American Academy of Pediatrics policy statement regarding medical marijuana and a handful of pediatricians working in this area.
In this episode, pediatric palliative care expert, Dr. Elissa Miller shares her experience, working knowledge and advice on using medical marijuana in kids. She calls herself a, “reluctant medical marijuana expert,” because she has been pulled into the practice by the very nature of what she does for sick kids.
The episode covers:
- What medical marijuana is and isn’t
- Review of the evidence for medical marijuana use in kid health conditions
- Risks, side effects and long term effects of marijuana in kids
- The AAP policy statement on medical marijuana in kids
- The process to get medical marijuana prescribed
- Forms of medical marijuana
- Talking to your kids about marijuana
- Marijuana in pregnancy or breastfeeding
Thanks, Dr. Elissa Miller
XOXO to my listeners. Please continue to share, Subscribe, Rate, Review and comment. I look forward to giving you a “shout out” on the show, so comment and question away……
Subscribe to liser4.sg-host.com to stay connected and get updates. It won’t cost you anything and I promise not to bother you too much, just the occasional new episode and maybe a blog article. Just trying to help you take a few “kid health moments.”
Visit the contact page to send me your comments, show ideas and questions, or inquiries to work with me. Let me put “a little kid health” on your next event or appear on your show as a kid health expert.
Click the episode links below to listen to this episode!
Episode Links:
Resources:
The Impact of Marijuana Policies on Youth