Smilow Cancer Hospital offers panel discussion on medical marijuana

Free interactive workshop focuses on the use, forms and potential side effects

New Haven, CT October 1, 2017– Smilow Cancer Hospital and Yale Cancer Center is offering “Medical Marijuana as a Treatment Option: An interactive Panel Discussion,” a free Smilow Wellness Workshop on Thursday, October 12 at 5:30 pm. The event is being held at the Yale New Haven Hospital campus at 55 Park Street in the second floor auditorium.

Using medical marijuana to treat chronic conditions from cancer and glaucoma to psoriatic arthritis and Parkinson's disease has been a provocative practice ever since Connecticut legalized its use in 2012. But the process is not as simple as getting a prescription from a licensed physician. In this workshop, palliative care expert Andrew Putnam, MD will lead a discussion with advanced practice registered nurse Ismaele Jacques, APRN, and pharmacist Nick Tamborrino of Blue Wellness, a local marijuana dispensary about what it takes to certify and register a patient for the treatment.

In addition, the panel will discuss the various forms of medical marijuana (from pills, chocolate, and tea to honey and oils) as well as the potential side effects.

Free parking is available on the fourth floor of the Air Rights Garage. While the workshop is free, space is limited and reservations are required. To register, call toll-free 1-888-700-6543 or register online at www.ynhh.org/events and click October 12 on the calendar.

Smilow Cancer Hospital at Yale New Haven is part of the nationally recognized Yale New Haven Hospital, and is affiliated with Yale Cancer Center (YCC), one of only 56 National Cancer Institute (NCI)-designated comprehensive cancer centers in the nation and the only such center in Connecticut. Smilow Cancer Hospital, the most comprehensive cancer facility in New England, includes private inpatient rooms, multidisciplinary outpatient treatment centers, 12 operating rooms, infusion suites, diagnostic imaging services, and specialized women's and children’s services. Smilow Cancer Hospital also operates a dozen outpatient care centers across Connecticut. YCC and Smilow Cancer Hospital are members of the National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN), an alliance of 28 cancer centers in the U.S., whose mission is to improve the quality, effectiveness and efficiency of oncology care. www.ynhh.org/smilow.