This session will review the evidence for cannabinoid-based treatments in chronic pain, practical approaches to prescribing, and strategies for integrating cannabis safely into complex medication regimens. Special attention will be given to reducing polypharmacy risks and improving patient outcomes through harm-reduction approaches.

Objectives:
Summarize evidence on the role of medical cannabis in chronic pain management.
Review safe prescribing practices, including initiation, titration, and monitoring.
Discuss approaches to polypharmacy, drug interactions, and harm reduction.

Speaker: 

Erin O’Shaughnessy, MScN, NP-PHC
Erin is a nurse practitioner with almost four decades of experience in a variety of healthcare settings. She holds an undergraduate nursing degree from the University of Manitoba and a master’s degree from York University. She completed her primary care NP diploma at the University of Ottawa in 2014.

 
As a former Clinical Nurse Specialist in pediatric oncology, Erin has been treating patients with medical cannabis for over 20 years. She began independently authorizing medical cannabis in 2017.

Erin has an extensive background in clinical practice education and has presented at numerous national and international conferences. She presents frequently on the topic of medical cannabis, both to healthcare professionals and the lay public.