Pain Relief with Medical Marijuana

Lydia O'Neal

As the medical field continues to evolve with new diseases, medications and treatments, there has been seen an increase in new substances that could contribute to pain relief. Medical marijuana is becoming a hot topic of study in healthcare because of the many benefits it potentially offers. This is a growing topic for oncology, chronic pain and neurologic pain centers. This project aims to explore the use of medical marijuana by investigating its usefulness in diminishing pain and whether it is properly prescribed. In order to properly conduct this study, past marijuana use will be reviewed regardless of use type to ensure that tolerance is avoided. I intend to use databases through the Lander University Library to investigate whether pain can be managed and controlled for patients that have chronic disease symptoms.

• Lydia O'Neal graduated from Hanahan High School in Hanahan, SC. She is a senior in the nursing program with a minor in health care management. Her experiences include working as a peer leader for freshman, serving on the board as vice president of the Lander University Student Nurses Association, and externing at Self Regional Hospital.