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Occupational Therapists and Patients on Weed

Medical cannabis is a natural and increasingly used alternative treatment which can help provide relief for several symptoms and can be tailored as part of your patient’s health and wellness journey.

Medical cannabis is a natural treatment for these common symptoms among Occupational Therapist’s Patients:

• Anxiety

• Depression

• PTSD

• Sleep Disorders

• Stress

Some members of the Holistic OT (Occupational Therapy) community have observed benefits for their clients who have used cannabis in clinical practice when it was prescribed by a physician or taken by the clients themselves. They have reported that cannabis alleviated many symptoms and conditions including chronic pain, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), autism, and overall brain function. They also observed that CBD has helped with epilepsy, cerebral palsy, viral infections, seizures, muscle spasms, soft tissue repair, and cancer, and more generally improved sleep, digestion, skincare, and generalized inflammation.

An OT (occupational therapist), alongside the health care team or with an individual client, may be able to help address and assess the whole person – mind, body, and spirit, and look at the root cause of symptoms, client factors, or interferences to optimal occupational performance.

An OT may be able to assist in determining what approaches may be helpful instead of (or in addition to) cannabis products when all other means have been considered.

For example, if a client is experiencing pain or anxiety an OT can assess, alongside other health professionals, what may be at the root cause of these symptoms and support a client with integrative health

By: Terry Bruesehoff, RN BSN

approaches that are efficacy-based to lower pain and anxiety, through a comprehensive OT plan of care.

OTs may be able to provide education and help clients improve medication management skills. It is not in the OT scope of practice to recommend medications or supplements. If educated, an OT may be able to share with clients and the medical team the risks and benefits of cannabis or support a client with cannabis when and if appropriate within state laws.

Over time, as cannabis laws may change to include accessibility in additional states, more research for potential risks and benefits and the role of OT will likely become more clear. Know your state laws and refer the client back to a physician or referring practitioner for medical evaluation and prescription recommendations.

As occupational therapists aim to provide a holistic approach to treatment of various conditions, cannabis can be an alternative form of therapy if legal in the state that you practice in.

CBD (without THC) can be purchased in many retail stores and online legally.

CBD can work alongside many other therapies and medications, e.g., OT, PT, chiropractic, bodywork, massage, yoga, etc.

The therapeutic effects of CBD can promote sleep and rest.

The OT Profession should be well-positioned to support clients in navigating their medical marijuana options in the most safe and functional manner possible.

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