Medical Marijuana and Hospice Patients

[StNeotser, ASN, RN]

So, I've been working hospice for a little over a year. In that time I've had around three patients who have had medical marijuana cards and taken marijuana. (I am in Colorado) I know it has worked well for appetite, nausea and pain with these patients.

I guess what I don't understand is how to quantify it? Or should I even be worried? None of these patients smoked the marijuana but they will say "I have half a cookie in the morning" or "I ate two candies" The marijuana doesn't show up on our MARS. I asked one of our docs and she said So long as it's helping don't worry about the quantity they are taking.

Anyone know anything more than I do?

[tewdles, RN]

Because it is not regulated in that fashion we cannot quantify in a typical fashion.

I agree with your doc that we shouldn't worry much, there is not report of anyone dying because they smoked or ate too much pot.

In your decriminalized state, are there apothecaries? Do hospices pay for this palliative med?

[StNeotser, ASN, RN]

We have medical marijuana dispensaries as it stands right now. I'm not sure how things will look when amendment 64 goes into effect where anyone can buy it for recreational use. Marijuana isn't a hospice covered med. Many of our patients have medicare benefit paying for hospice and as that is a federal program I can't see that it would jive very well. Normally they have sought the marijuana on their own without our input.

Anyway, I always write in my notes that the patient took the marijuana and how much they said they took and whether it was effective, it's just I'm writing "Patient took two marijuana candies for pain and nausea..............."etc

Thanks for the reply.