Across the Unites States and in other countries, cannabinoids have been approved or are under consideration for legalization. They have been promoted for a variety of conditions including chronic pain syndromes, multiple sclerosis, glaucoma, anxiety disorders, and other uses. Patient reports of their efficacy are variable and dependent on the choice of agent (e.g., cannabidiol versus tetrahydrocannabinol) as well as the delivery system. Such delivery systems include inhalation, topical application or oral ingestion. Unfortunately, comparative studies are sparse, and lack of regulatory oversight contributes to the non-standardization of products. This session will review the literature on commercial and non-commercial forms of medical cannabinoids, as well as those from various sources (hemp or marijuana). Examples of changes in regulations regarding cannabinoids and their impact on availability will also be discussed.

Dr. Reisner joined the faculty of UCSF in 1987 as a Pharmacy Practice Resident and has served in various roles since that time, including as a lecturer in Clinical Pharmacy and Dentistry courses and as a clinical pharmacist for the UCSF Pain Management Center. She has also been a research pharmacist for the UCSF Pain Clinical Research Center as well as a consultant to the Center for TMD and Orofacial Pain in the UCSF School of Dentistry. She currently serves on various medication-related committees at UCSF Medical Center and enjoys her role as a preceptor for students and residents. Lori is a member of several professional organizations, including the American College of Clinical Pharmacy (ACCP), the American Pain Society
(APS), and the International Society for the Study of Pain (IASP). Dr. Reisner has been involved in the development of a pain traineeship with the American Society of Health-system Pharmacists (ASHP) and has served at different times on the Board of Directors, the Scientific Program Committee and the Task Force for Centers of Excellence in Pain Management for APS. She has also served on the membership committee of ACCP. She received the Long Foundation Award for Excellence in Teaching at UCSF in 1988 and in 2003. Dr. Reisner has been invited to address national and international groups and has publications in peer-reviewed journals such as the New England Journal of Medicine, Neurology, Dental Clinics of North America and the Annals of Pharmacotherapy. She sits on the editorial board for the Journal of Pharmaceutical Care in Pain and Symptom Control, and is a peer reviewer for the Annals of Pharmacotherapy and the Clinical Journal of Pain. She has authored chapters on pain management for the textbooks Clinical Pharmacy and Therapeutics, Handbook of Non-Prescription Drugs and the ACCP Reviews for Board Certification in Pharmacotherapy.