New Medical Marijuana Patch Fights Pain
CHICAGO (CBS) -- A new patch, to fight pain.
It's the latest product being rolled out at the states medical marijuana dispensaries.
And as CBS 2's Roseanne Tellez tells us in this Original Report, it offers relief - without the high.
It's the newest delivery method for medical marijuana. The patch can fight pain for up to 12 hours.
"Patients want options," Kalee Hooghkirk says. She used one to treat a flare-up of Crohn's Disease. "It almost kind of muted the effects and all of a sudden my symptoms kind of dissipated."
Hooghkirk, who also works at a licensed cannabis dispensary, used the medicinal patch which delivers THC, but says a CBD version offers the same relief, without the high. "This is really what's revolutionary about the cannabis industry right now - (wearing) relief for patients but allowing them to continue their day without being altered at all."
Dr. Leslie Mendoza says it's about flexibility. "The expansion of product the ways that we can-the ways can adjust or put through our skin or inhale is huge."
And the patch can target specific areas. Mendoza says her patients found great relief. "It was significantly helpful, like a 180," the patient said.
A year into the state pilot program, there are now salves, and other topical applications. Mendoza says while they don't work for everyone, they're great alternatives to addictive painkillers.
"You've seen the amount of opioids and benzodiazepines that our patients are taking. If we can reduce that we've reduced harm and we've increased relief. Don't see why this isn't part of every physicians pain regimen plan," the doctor said.
And some people, Hooghkirk says, don't realize it's a perfectly legal option. However to qualify, your illness must be on the state list of debilitating conditions, and you have to apply with the Illinois Department of Public Health.
