Delve into Dr. June Chin’s insights on managing cancer, anxiety, and PTSD in pediatric patients with cannabis, and the importance of holistic treatment approaches.
In the medical cannabis industry, few voices carry as much weight as Dr. June Chin’s. With over two decades of experience in integrative medicine, Dr. Chin has emerged as a national leader, pioneering medical cannabis protocols that have set industry standards and gained international recognition.
As the Chief Medical Officer at Leafwell, she has been instrumental in advancing cannabinoid research, education, and training, helping to shape the future of healthcare. In addition to her clinical work, Dr. Chin shares her expertise as a professor at New York University and Syracuse University and serves as the Vice Chair of the Cannabis Advisory Board for the New York State Office of Cannabis Management.
A respected author, her book Cannabis and CBD for Health and Wellness offers insights into the therapeutic potential of cannabis, making her one of the most influential voices in the field today. In this interview, we delve into her journey, her groundbreaking work, and her vision for the future of medical cannabis.
Ganjly: The study highlights that anxiety, PTSD, and chronic pain are the top reasons pediatric patients use cannabis. Can you elaborate on why these conditions are so prevalent among younger patients?
Dr. June Chin: These conditions are common in younger patients due to genetic predispositions, environmental stressors, and traumatic experiences. Chronic pain often stems from underlying medical conditions or injuries, while anxiety and PTSD are linked to stressful life events like bullying, family issues, or societal pressures. Cannabis offers a multi-faceted approach to managing both physical and psychological discomfort.
The prevalence of anxiety and PTSD in younger patients can also be attributed to adolescence, a developmental stage where emotional regulation and coping mechanisms are still maturing. Increasing demands from school, social media, and peer pressure can exacerbate these conditions. Anxiety is a normal and healthy part of adolescence, signaling that something in a young person’s life needs attention. It can be a functional emotion, helping adolescents prepare for challenges like studying for a test or practicing for a performance. However, when anxiety interferes with daily life, it requires careful management.
Many teens may turn to cannabis as a coping mechanism. Leafwell’s research highlights that anxiety is one of the top reasons young medical patients in the U.S. seek cannabis. This underscores the need for a nuanced approach in developing treatment protocols as part of a comprehensive healthcare regimen.
I advocate teaching young people healthy coping mechanisms, such as deep breathing, mindfulness, and physical activity, to manage anxiety. It’s important to keep anxiety in perspective, viewing it as a common experience rather than a sign that something is wrong. However, when anxiety crosses the line into a disorder, professional help is crucial. Integrating this understanding with research, like Leafwell’s, can guide more tailored and effective interventions for youth experiencing significant anxiety.
Ganjly: What are the unique challenges in treating pediatric patients with cannabis compared to adults, and how does this impact the treatment protocols?
Dr. June Chin: Treating pediatric patients with cannabis presents several challenges, including the need for precise dosing, concerns about the impact on brain development, and the potential for different side effects compared to adults. These factors require more cautious and individualized treatment protocols, often involving lower doses and careful monitoring.
Additionally, it’s important to integrate cannabis with other treatments to ensure a holistic approach. Psychologically, pediatric patients are still developing their identity and coping mechanisms, which can be influenced by their treatment. It’s important to support their emotional and social development while using cannabis as part of a broader therapeutic plan. This might involve coordinating with therapists and caregivers to ensure the patient receives comprehensive support.
Ganjly: The study notes that cancer is a more common qualifying condition for minors than young adults. Could you explain why this might be the case and how cannabis can help in managing cancer-related symptoms in minors?
Dr. June Chin: Cancer being more common as a qualifying condition for minors may be due to the severity of the condition and the extensive symptoms that require management, such as pain, nausea, and loss of appetite. Cannabis can be particularly beneficial in managing these symptoms, providing relief that improves the quality of life for young patients undergoing intense treatments like chemotherapy.
From a psychological standpoint, cancer in minors is an especially traumatic experience, not just for the patient but also for their family. The emotional toll is significant, and cannabis may help alleviate some of the anxiety and depression that can accompany a cancer diagnosis, making the overall treatment experience less distressing.
Ganjly: Depression was reported more frequently among young adults (18-20) than minors. What factors do you think contribute to this difference, and how does cannabis use fit into the treatment plan for these young adults?
Dr. June Chin: The transition from adolescence to adulthood often brings new stressors, such as increased responsibilities, academic pressures, and life transitions. These can exacerbate underlying depressive tendencies. Cannabis may be used to help manage symptoms of depression in young adults by improving mood, reducing anxiety, and helping with sleep, though it must be done with caution to avoid dependency.
Developmentally, the ages of 18-20 are a period of significant change, where individuals are often moving out of their family homes, starting college, or entering the workforce. This can be a vulnerable time for mental health.
The increased frequency of depression might reflect the challenges of this life stage. It’s important to integrate cannabis use with therapy and other support systems to address both the symptoms and the underlying causes of depression.
Ganjly: With most pediatric patients having two or more medical conditions, how do you approach developing a comprehensive treatment plan that addresses multiple health issues?
Dr. June Chin: Developing a treatment plan for pediatric patients with multiple health issues requires a thorough understanding of how cannabis interacts with each condition and any other medications the patient may be taking. The plan must be tailored to address the most pressing symptoms while minimizing side effects.
Collaboration with other healthcare providers is essential to ensure that the treatment is comprehensive and well-coordinated. From a psychological perspective, it’s crucial to address the emotional and cognitive aspects of dealing with multiple medical conditions.
This often involves working with mental health professionals to help the patient cope with the stress and anxiety that can accompany chronic illness, while also ensuring that cannabis use is part of a broader, supportive care plan.
Ganjly: The study underscores the importance of understanding the emotional, social, and psychological reasons behind cannabis use among teens. How do you incorporate these factors into your consultations with young patients?
Dr. June Chin: Our Leafwell health providers take a holistic approach by discussing not only the medical reasons for cannabis use but also exploring the emotional, social, and psychological context. This includes understanding the patient’s daily life, their stressors, and their support system.
By addressing these factors, we can better tailor the cannabis treatment to their specific needs. It’s important to create a safe space where teens feel comfortable discussing their emotional and social challenges. Understanding these aspects allows us to address the root causes of their issues and to provide support that goes beyond symptom management. This might involve counseling, peer support, and working closely with the family.
Ganjly: There is often concern about the long-term effects of cannabis use in developing brains. How do you balance these concerns with the potential benefits when recommending cannabis for younger patients?
Dr. June Chin: Balancing the benefits of cannabis with its potential risks requires careful consideration of the patient’s overall health, symptom severity, and the effectiveness of alternative treatments. When cannabis is necessary, I opt for the lowest effective dose and closely monitor the patient for any adverse effects.
In many cases, CBD (cannabidiol) can be used as a safer alternative to high-THC formulas. CBD is a non-psychoactive compound found in cannabis that offers therapeutic benefits without the intoxicating effects of THC. It has been shown to help manage symptoms like anxiety, inflammation, and pain, making it a valuable option for younger patients who may be more vulnerable to the side effects of THC.
Continuous reassessment is essential to ensure that the benefits of cannabis outweigh the risks. Open conversations with both the patient and their family about the potential risks and benefits are crucial. This approach helps them make informed decisions and ensures they understand the importance of regular monitoring and adjustments to the treatment plan.
Ganjly: Given that the majority of pediatric patients in the study live in states where both medical and adult-use cannabis are legal, how do you navigate the legal and ethical considerations when prescribing cannabis to minors?
Dr. June Chin: Navigating the legal and ethical considerations involves ensuring that all recommendations comply with state regulations, including obtaining proper consent from parents or guardians. It’s also important to educate families about the legal implications and ensure they understand the guidelines for safe and responsible use.
Ethically, it’s essential to consider the impact of cannabis use on the child’s development and to weigh this against the potential benefits. This decision-making process should be transparent and involve the patient and their family in every step, ensuring they feel supported and informed.
Ganjly: How do you address potential stigma or misconceptions about cannabis use in pediatric populations when talking to parents or guardians?
Dr. June Chin: I approach this by providing evidence-based information and addressing any concerns or misconceptions with empathy. It’s important to discuss the science behind cannabis use, its potential benefits, and the safety measures in place.
Open communication helps build trust and alleviates fears that parents or guardians may have. Stigma can be a significant barrier to treatment. I work to normalize the conversation around cannabis use by framing it as one of many tools available for managing health conditions. It’s also helpful to discuss other families’ experiences, which can provide reassurance and reduce feelings of isolation.
What further research or advancements in cannabis medicine do you believe are necessary to better serve the pediatric population, especially in addressing their unique medical needs?
Dr. June Chin: More research is needed to better understand the long-term effects of cannabis on the developing brain, as well as to refine dosing guidelines for pediatric patients. Additionally, studies on the efficacy of different cannabis strains and delivery methods for various conditions would help in creating more tailored and effective treatment plans.
Research into the psychological impacts of cannabis use on young people is crucial. Understanding how cannabis interacts with developmental stages and mental health conditions can help us refine treatment protocols and ensure that we’re providing the best possible care for this vulnerable population.
Thank you so much, Dr. Chin for doing this interview. To know more about Dr. Chin, head on over to Leafwell.com.
