Guest: Thomas P. Pittelkow, D.O., M.P.H. 

Host: Darryl S. Chutka, M.D. (@ChutkaMD) 

Does medical marijuana have proven benefits? Who can prescribe it? What are the potential harms in using it? Dr. Thomas Pittelkow, a Mayo Clinic anesthesiologist specializing in pain management for cancer patients and advanced interventions in end of life care, discusses the differences between recreational and medical marijuana. Listen in for more on hopes and limitations in cannabis research, best practices for patient conversations, state vs. federal regulations, and the importance of communication with dispensaries. 

Connect with the Mayo Clinic’s School of Continuous Professional Development online at https://ce.mayo.edu/ or on Twitter @MayoMedEd. 

Deeper Dive: 

• Detailed information about Medical Cannabis, visit https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/consumer-health/in-depth/medical-marijuana/art-20137855. 
• State-to-state regulations, visit http://www.ncsl.org/research/health/state-medical-marijuana-laws.aspx.