Get an Exclusive First Look at the Cannabinoids for Patients With Cancer Session at This Year’s ONS Bridge™ Conference
Planning Team Member
One of the many exciting sessions at ONS Bridge 2022 features cannabinoids and their use in patients with cancer. How many patients (and friends and family) have asked you about using medical marijuana or cannabidiol (CBD) for any number of reasons? This year’s session on Tuesday, September 13, 2022, will give you more information on their safety and legalities for patients with cancer and how to equip your patients to use them in an informed way.
I spoke with our presenter, Karen Hande, DNP, RN, ANP-BC, CNE, FAANP, ANEF, regarding her presentation and how she became an expert on the topic, and here is what she told me:
How did you get started in your work and research with CBD and cannabinoid usage?
I am a nurse practitioner at Vanderbilt Ingram Cancer Center in Nashville, TN, and care for patients who experience pain from cancer or their treatment. I often prescribe opioids to manage patients’ pain and must follow the Tennessee state prescribing guidelines, which require a urine drug screen (UDS) at least every six months. I observed that many of my patients’ UDS results were positive for tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), but most of them reported that they used CBD (e.g., oils, gummies) and not marijuana. I was unclear as to how UDS results were positive for THC when patients were only using CBD products, so I started researching the area to better understand my patients and their needs.
What is the most important message that you’re hoping attendees will take from your session?
I hope that attendees will understand that CBD products are not regulated and may contain additives such as THC.
What are the most common questions you get from patients who use CBD?
Most of my patients are shocked to learn that CBD products may contain THC. Patients often ask me if CBD is safe and if they should take it to manage their pain.
What might make you recommend that a patient avoid CBD?
CBD products are not regulated and may contain THC, and evidence to support safe use of CBD is lacking. Nurse scientists and other researchers should conduct studies about the safe use and indications for CBD in patients with cancer.
Join us to hear more about this timely topic from 3:45–4:45 pm EST on September 13. Learn more and register at ons.org/bridge.