Six months later: An update on Dr. Gottlieb's experience with New Jersey's medical marijuana program

It's been six months since pain specialist Dr. Scott Gottlieb began prescribing medical marijuana to his patients in New Jersey, where it became legal in 2010.

Here he reflects on his early experiences with the relatively new alternative drug treatment.

How many patients have you prescribed medical marijuana for?

Dr. Gottlieb: Approximately 10.

For what conditions?

Dr. Gottlieb: It is approved in New Jersey for multiple sclerosis, muscular dystrophy, inflammatory bowel disease, ALS (Lou Gehrig’s disease), terminal cancer and other terminal illnesses if the prognosis is less than a year to live. 

Patients with seizure disorders, glaucoma and intractable skeletal muscular spasticity (a muscle control disorder) are also eligible if more conventional treatments haven’t worked.

 I’ve written it for patients with terminal illness and MS.

 What are your prescription guidelines?

 Dr. Gottlieb: We want to confirm that patients have a long-standing history of pain history in addition to a diagnosis that is approved for medical marijuana.

We also want to prevent any abuse.  We have all patients sign a contract, which states, among other things,  that they will take the drug exactly as it is prescribed, and that if they get a narcotic prescription from another doctor, I will not write one for them again. Patients also have to agree to randomized drug screening.

Do patients ask for the drug or do you suggest it?

Dr. Gottlieb: Most patients who are interested in medical marijuana say they have used it recreationally and that it has been helpful in reducing their pain.

How does inhaling medical marijuana differ from smoking?

Dr. Gottlieb: There are new vaporizers that are available to medical marijuana patients that help significantly reduce the harmful pulmonary side effects that are associated with smoking the drug, the traditional method of use.

Can you share a success story?

Dr. Gottlieb: A multiple sclerosis patient was in a great deal of pain. She tried all types of medication in addition to massage, yoga and even meditation. Nothing worked. Medical marijuana gave her some relief, and she was able to resume some of her normal activities and almost return to her baseline level of function.

What has been the biggest challenge?

Dr. Gottlieb: There are supposed to be six dispensaries. However, there is only one open, Greenleaf Compassion Center, which is in Montclair and intended for North Jersey residents. Patients have been waiting months to obtain the drug. Meanwhile, the number of people registered continues to grow. Four of the five remaining nonprofits are reportedly planning to open soon; one of those in Egg Harbor Township is renovating space so it can start growing the plant. The fifth in South Jersey is still looking for a location.

The other dispensaries are in the process of meeting state regulations for medical marijuana centers, so hopefully, they will open soon.

So far, 18 states and the District of Columbia allow medical marijuana. Do you see that number increasing?

Dr. Gottlieb: I think if New Jersey and other states where it's legal prove that it is truly beneficial to those with certain illnesses, other states will adopt the same laws.

About Dr. Scott Gottlieb: Dr. Scott Gottlieb is a pain management expert and the founder of Gramercy Pain Management. He is the director of Pain Management at New York Eye and Ear Infirmary (NYEE) and has treated over 3,000 patients. Dr. Gottlieb is board certified in both pain management and anesthesiology. He has offices in both Manhattan and Montebello, N.Y. in Rockland County. For more information, visit http://gramercypain.com/.