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Medical marijuana in pediatric oncology: A review of the evidence and implications for practice
Author(s) -
Ananth Prasanna,
ReedWeston Anne,
Wolfe Joanne
Publication year - 2018
Publication title -
pediatric blood and cancer
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.116
H-Index - 105
eISSN - 1545-5017
pISSN - 1545-5009
DOI - 10.1002/pbc.26826
Subject(s) - medicine , pediatric oncology , pediatric cancer , family medicine , medline , intensive care medicine , mechanism (biology) , cancer , political science , law , philosophy , epistemology
Medical marijuana (MM) has become increasingly legal at the state level and accessible to children with serious illness. Pediatric patients with cancer may be particularly receptive to MM, given purported benefits in managing cancer‐related symptoms. In this review, we examine the evidence for MM as a supportive care agent in pediatric oncology. We describe the current legal status of MM, mechanism of action, common formulations, and potential benefits versus risks for pediatric oncology patients. We offer suggestions for how providers might approach MM requests. Throughout, we comment on avenues for future investigation on this growing trend in supportive care.