Show 1027: How One Doctor Changed His Mind About Medical Marijuana

Marijuana (Cannabis sativa) has been both glorified as a mind-expanding agent and vilified as evil weed. Most doctors are skeptical about its usefulness for medical purposes. Our guest, David Casarett, MD, certainly doubted that there was much evidence to support medical applications of marijuana. But as a palliative care physician, he was curious. The evidence he found convinced his that there is a case to be made in some situations.

What Are the Benefits and Risks of Medical Marijuana?

Find out how marijuana could be helpful and when it may be harmful. Which conditions have the best evidence on the medical applications of marijuana?

This Week’s Guest:

David Casarett, MD, MA, is a palliative care physician and health services researcher whose work focuses on improving systems of care for people with serious, life-threatening illnesses. He recently relocated from the University of Pennsylvania where he was a tenured professor of medicine. Dr. Casarett is now Chief of Palliative Care at the Duke University School of Medicine. He received the Presidential Early Career Award for Scientists and Engineers. This is the highest honor the US government gives to researchers in the early stages of their careers.

Dr. Casarett is the author of Shocked: Adventures in Bringing Back the Recently Dead. His most recent book is Stoned: A Doctor’s Case for Medical Marijuana.

Dr. Casarett is launching a website, MarijuanaResults.org, where medical marijuana users can report their experience and connect with each other. It also serves as a database for medical professionals trying to learn more about this topic.

The photo of Dr. Casarett was taken by Joe Chielli, Church Street Studios.