Utah in the Weeds Episode 17 – Dr. Corey Anden, MD is a Medical Cannabis Doctor in Utah

Dr. Anden is a pain physician in Ogden, Utah. She also practices cannabis medicine. In fact, she has likely practiced longer than any other provider in Utah.

Dr. Anden has always been interested in cannabis. She grew up a child of the sixties and seventies in southwestern Pennsylvania.

As an adult, she became interested and fascinated with the benefits of Medical Marijuana, and began to educate herself with books and information online.

After the state legislature approved HB 3001, she focused more on re-educating patients on other ways of using cannabis for better medicinal benefits, as well as how to be compliant with the Utah laws.

Dr. Anden’s thoughts on smoking vs. other methods of consuming Medical Marijuana [04:49]

Many patients are used to consuming cannabis by combustion. Dr. Anden believes that this method does seem to have benefits. However, she sees combustion as more suited for recreational use.

The chemicals in the plants and their activation or boiling points are at much lower temperatures, more in the 300 or 450 degree Fahrenheit range. In her opinion, smoking cannabis at a high temperature burns up certain cannabinoids and most of the terpenes.

Using a dry herb vaporizer would help retain the medicinal properties of the cannabinoids and terpenes by lowering the temperature to the 300 or 450 degree range.

Also, by consuming cannabis at a lower temperature, you’ll avoid the toxins, the potential carcinogens in smoke, etc.

Dr. Anden’s thought on the current Medical Marijuana laws [9:53]

Dr. Anden’s biggest issue with the current legislation is the patient cap. Currently, Utah law sets the patient cap at 600 patients per physician and 275 patients per PA or nurse practitioner. For medical providers who are pursuing further education, this cap limits what they can do.

She believes it is also a disservice to the patients who want to see clinicians who are experts. For example, if patients want to visit Dr. Anden because of her expertise with Medical Cannabis (she is currently enrolled in a Medical Cannabis Master’s program at the University of Maryland), traditional medicine, and integrative medicine, the law will prohibit her from helping them obtain a card. Patients can still see Dr. Anden for a consultation. However, they would need to go elsewhere for a Medical Marijuana Card.

How does Dr. Anden approaches patient wellness? [13:49]

Dr. Anden has worked as an interventional pain physician and is board certified in physical medicine and rehabilitation, pain, sports medicine, and electrodiagnostic medicine

Instead of just prescribing patients more pharmaceuticals and surgeries, Dr. Anden is passionate about the concept of a more organic approach to wellness, including cannabis medicine, healthy diet, healthy lifestyles, and healthy exercise.

She is not opposed to prescribing pharmaceuticals, including some degree of opioids. However, Dr. Anden will also consult with patients on the importance of losing weight, healthy diets, exercise, and a healthy lifestyle.

Even with the patient gap, she will still bring up cannabis and CBD as a potential treatment. With CBD, she will discuss the anti-inflammatory, anti-anxiety, muscle relaxing, immuno-protective, neuro-protective effects. If a patient then asks about cannabis, she can give them education and tailor particular medication recommendations to their diseases or disorders. However, she’ll explain to them that they will need to go to another provider for a Medical Marijuana Card.

How has the COVID-19 pandemic affected Dr. Anden’s practice? [25:21]

Other than shutting down for the first two weeks of the pandemic, the COVID-19 pandemic has not affected her practice. The hospital where her office is located has implemented all of the protocols for patients, including temperature checks and a questionnaire upon entering.

How Dr. Anden discusses Medical Marijuana treatments for pain with patients [26:18]

For Dr. Anden, it depends on the perspective of the patient. Some of her patients have already been using cannabis and some people are new to it. Her patients may have already had multiple surgeries or have been using opioids to manage pain.

After understanding the patient’s perspective and history, she will explain how the numerous chemicals, cannabinoids, such as CBD, and terpenes that can help manage their pain.

Conditions that Dr. Anden would like to see as a qualifying condition [31:38]

Although most patients are interested in using Medical Marjiuana to manage pain, Dr. Anden would like to see anxiety, mood disorders, and sleep disorders included as qualifying conditions.

Does Dr. Anden provide Medical Marijuana recommendations? [34:43]

Dr. Anden does provide specific Medical Marijuana recommendations to patients. In fact, she will review their local pharmacy’s menu and provide recommendations based on what the pharmacy offers. Patients can also call Dr. Anden for help with dosing at any time.

Why do patients still visit Dr. Anden even though she has met her patient cap for cards? [38:42]

Often, patients will visit Dr. Anden if they are looking for more Medical Cannabis education. Patients visit Dr. Anden with conditions such as MS, Parkinson’s disease, chronic pain, etc. They have tried everything and are now considering turning to Medical Cannabis for help. However, they need some guidance, so they visit Dr. Anden for help.