3's Company: COX-2 Inhibitors, Medicinal Marijuana, and Opioid Prescribing

There is much controversy around many aspects of pain treatment, and compelling arguments have focused on both sides of the fence regarding appropriate opioid use and prescribing, legalization of marijuana, and the safety of cox-2 inhibitors. In all  3 cases, there are issues associated with strong positions, although the evidence, when put into practice, is less black and white. For each topic, we will evaluate current literature and debate the clinical, legal, and ethical controversies surrounding recent developments in pain management. Attendees will get a better understanding as presenters debate evidence based application of the cdc guidelines in various clinical settings, evaluate clinical and ethical concerns regarding marijuana for medicinal or recreational use, and take a critical look at the literature and its application when using cox-2 inhibitors for treating pain.