Desert Pain Breaks Down Everything Patients Need to Know about Medical Cannabis

The use of medical cannabis has been allowed in Utah since 2018, and cannabis is available to acute and chronic pain patients that meet certain qualifications. Open communication with your medical provider will help you have a better understanding of the potential benefits and risks of its use.

The providers at Desert Pain Specialists prescribe medical cannabis as a supplemental treatment option for many different chronic pain syndromes, including fibromyalgia, arthritis, inflammatory conditions, and autoimmune disorders. For some patients, cannabis reduces the amount of pain medication they require, and others have been able to use it without any additional medication for their pain, said Katrina Poulsen, certified family nurse practitioner at Desert Pain.

Katrina Poulsen

However, it is important to note that people’s experiences vary greatly. Cannabis isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution for pain, Poulsen said, nor is it a miracle cure. Finding the form and dose that works best for each patient takes some trial and error.

Once the provider has determined that their patient is a good candidate for cannabis, they will share instructions for filling out the Utah medical cannabis card application online. Next, the patient must notify Desert Pain so the provider can send their recommendation to the state.

The state review process usually takes five days or so, Poulsen said. If their application is approved, the patient will pay for their card and receive it electronically. Patients should then expect their provider to schedule a follow-up appointment a month later. Medical cannabis is not covered by insurance.

In Utah, cannabis is dispensed by licensed pharmacists that will help patients get started and make adjustments as needed. They can also make recommendations based on the patient’s pain condition and current list of medications. Poulsen said to remember the “Golden Rule” of cannabis use: start low and go slow.

Like any other prescription drug, patients need to inform every medical provider they see about their cannabis use. Patients shouldn’t be driving or making important decisions when they’re trying it at first, Poulsen said. The most common side effects are dizziness, fatigue, dry mouth, lightheadedness, drowsiness, and nausea.

Cannabis isn’t recommended for patients with a history of severe mental health issues, such as psychosis, hallucinations, and paranoia. Other patients, like commercial driver’s license holders, may qualify for medical cannabis but not be permitted to use it due to legal or employer restrictions. Because cannabis use for medical purposes isn’t legal at the federal level and laws vary from state to state, transporting it out of Utah carries its own risk.

Poulsen advises all her patients to seek out self-education resources on the Web to understand what becoming a medical cannabis user means. At the local level, Dixie State University offers a four-week Katrina Poulsen, FNC-P community education course via Zoom and in the classroom. Intro to Medical Cannabis and CBD covers the history and science of cannabis, the human endocannabinoid system, and the benefits of proper use of medical cannabis.

For many patients, cannabis not only reduces their pain but improves other aspects of wellness. Patients report better sleep and reduced anxiety associated with their pain condition. “Cannabis, when used appropriately for the conditions for which it’s indicated, is safer than many of the other medications we prescribe for those conditions,” Poulsen said. “There’s less risk than long-term use of pain medications.”

Be proactive and talk with a trusted medical provider about whether medical cannabis may be right for you. Call 435-216-7000 or visit the Desert Pain website to schedule an appointment today.

As southern Utah’s premier interventional pain management team, Desert Pain practices evidence-based, forward-thinking medicine that integrates the newest available treatments. They address all types of chronic and acute pain conditions, including back pain, neck pain, sciatica, neuropathy, migraines, and sports injuries.

Desert Pain’s state-of-the-art facility in St. George allows them to offer unmatched quality of care to their patients, and with seven additional locations throughout the area, they’re prepared to serve the needs of the growing population.

Living with any pain condition is a daily battle against a nearly invisible enemy. At Desert Pain, patients are seen, heard, understood, and supported through their pain management journey.

(Article originally written for St. George News. All rights reserved.)

About the Author

Alexa Morgan works as a reporter for St. George News/ STGnews.com and has more than a decade of experience in news and magazine writing. She is committed to keeping the community informed with journalism of the highest quality standard. Originally from Southern California, she now proudly makes her home beneath the big red mountain in Ivins.

Alexa Morgan