Science On Tap

Wed., September 24, 2014

Cannabis Pharmacy: The Practical Guide to Medical Marijuana

Cannabis has been valued for its medicinal properties for 10,000 years, but only in the past century was it made illegal in the United States—against the protestations of the American Medical Association. The tide is turning at last. Twenty-two states, and the District of Columbia, have legalized access to medical cannabis, and there are currently 4.2 million medical cannabis patients in the United States. News articles appear frequently on the progress of cannabis legislation around the country, and Oregonians will have an opportunity to vote on whether to allow recreational use of marijuana in the November 2014 election.

At this Science on Tap, come hear Michael Backes, author of Cannabis Pharmacy: The Practical Guide to Medical Marijuana talk about the evidence-based research that led to this clear, comprehensive guide to medical cannabis. He will examine helpful and harmful uses of cannabis for medical purposes, including how to have fewer unwanted side effects and how to avoid the buildup of tolerance to the effects of cannabis over time. His book provides detailed information about 27 of the most popular cannabis varieties, how to prepare and store cannabis; how best to administer preparations, and includes a guide to 29 ailments and illnesses for which doctors commonly recommend medical marijuana, including chronic pain, chemotherapy-induced nausea, multiple sclerosis, Alzheimer’s disease, fibromyalgia, and Parkinson’s disease.