Search
Close this search box.
Search
Close this search box.
Search
Close this search box.

About the Episode

Start feeling like your best self with a Cannabis treatment plan!

Join Dr. Misha Kogan, medical director of the George Washington University Center for Integrative Medicine, as he breaks down the science behind the benefits of Marijuana as treatment for various illnesses.

Listen now to learn more about the medical applications of Cannabis and start feeling better!

What We Discuss

Medical vs Recreational Uses of Cannabis

The only line separating medical and recreational Cannabis is its use. States where Marijuana has been legalized have seen drastic decreases in mortality rates from traffic accidents, opioid overdoses, and alcohol poisoning. So, recreationally speaking, Cannabis is one of the safest exit drugs available.

While working approving prescriptions for medical Marjuana, Wendie noticed the impact it had on patients with cancer. As of now, researchers don’t quite understand the anti-cancer properties of Cannabis, but early studies do show an ability to kill cancer cells in petri dishes. There’s a lot to still be studied, but Cannabis has also proved effective when treating different symptoms, such as pain and nausea associated with many cancer treatments.

Cannabis to Treat Insomnia

Dr. Kogan first works with his patients to develop better sleep hygiene and mindfulness techniques, but he doesn’t hesitate to offer CBD as part of their treatment plan. It’s also more cost-effective than acupuncture or herbs, which can be quite expensive.

Although Dr. Kogan doesn’t usually recommend CBM on its own, he will recommend patients try it in combination with CBD. Another important aspect of insomnia treatment is to get to the bottom of what’s causing sleep issues, whether it be pain, inflammation, or anxiety. That will determine which form of Cannabis will be most effective. Educating patients and giving them the resources to do their own research is also crucial to designing a treatment plan that will work best. Even the best-case scenario will require quite a bit of experimentation.

Skincare and Other Uses

There is evidence that CBD helps with anxiety, but because there are so many different causes, Dr. Kogan doesn’t use Cannabis as the first choice of treatment. However, Cannabis has proven especially helpful in treating other health ailments, including chronic pain, sleep disturbances, and nausea. For diseases like Multiple Sclerosis, which causes spasticity, Cannabis has shown effectiveness in reducing spasms.

Topical Cannabis treatment can also help treat eczema, rashes, and other localized skin issues, although topical CBD is quite under-utilized as a treatment option. When using topical CBD, you’ll need to use a concentrated version for it to work.

Listen now and learn how to add Cannabis to your treatment plan to start feeling like your best self again!

Guest Bio

Mikhail Kogan, M.D., is the medical director of the George Washington University Center for
Integrative Medicine and associate professor of medicine at the George Washington University School of Medicine. Dr. Kogan has recommended medical marijuana to thousands of patients and is a frequent lecturer on medical cannabis to professional audiences across the nation.

Links

facebook.com/mishakoganmd/
twitter.com/koganmd?lang=en
wordpress.org/
drmishakogan.com/
Medical Marijuana Book
2017 NASEM Report:
https://www.nationalacademies.org/news/2017/01/health-effects-of-marijuana-and-cannabis-derived-products-presented-in-new-report

Use Cannabis for Better Health

WHY DO WE DO THIS TEST?

This test is comprehensive testing for Lyme disease and other tick-borne illnesses, helping clinicians accurately diagnose and treat these complex infections. Click here for more information.

LOCATION PERFORMED

At home.

SPECIMEN TYPE

Blood, Urine, or Ticks

COST

may have a $200 copay

INSURANCE

Covered by most insurance.

Use Cannabis for Better Health

WHY DO WE DO THIS TEST?

Galleri® is a multi-cancer early detection test, a blood test that screens for many of the deadliest cancers before they become symptomatic,1,2,3 including those with no recommended screening tests today. Click here for more information.

LOCATION PERFORMED

At home or in lab.

SPECIMEN TYPE

Blood

COST

$999

INSURANCE

Depending on insurance coverage.

Use Cannabis for Better Health
Use Cannabis for Better Health

WHY DO WE DO THIS TEST?

This DNA test analyzes a person’s genetic markers to provide insights into their health and wellness price. Click here for more information.

LOCATION PERFORMED

At home.

SPECIMEN TYPE

Swab

COST

$299

INSURANCE

Depending on insurance coverage.

Use Cannabis for Better Health

WHY DO WE DO THIS TEST?

This test is a key tool for assessing the impact of long-term exposure to environmental chemicals. By quantitatively measuring 14 select metabolites, this test helps determine an individual’s toxic burden, offering essential data to guide targeted nutritional and detoxification interventions for improved health outcomes. Click here for more information.

LOCATION PERFORMED

At home.

SPECIMEN TYPE

Urine

COST

$129

INSURANCE

Depending on insurance coverage.

Use Cannabis for Better Health

WHY DO WE DO THIS TEST?

The Hormone and Urinary Metabolites Assessment Profile (HuMapTM) provides a comprehensive overview of steroid hormones, their metabolites, and the efficiency of the enzymes that metabolize these hormones. Click here for more information.

LOCATION PERFORMED

At home.

SPECIMEN TYPE

Urine

COST

$199

INSURANCE

Depending on insurance coverage.

INSTRUCTIONS

Use Cannabis for Better Health

WHY DO WE DO THIS TEST?

This is a dried urine test for comprehensive hormones to help providers solve complex patient cases. DUTCH is a group of validated tests that provide a complete evaluation of sex and adrenal hormones, including metabolites. Click here for more information.

LOCATION PERFORMED

At home.

SPECIMEN TYPE

Urine

COST

$300

INSURANCE

Depending on insurance coverage.

INSTRUCTIONS

Use Cannabis for Better Health

WHY DO WE DO THIS TEST?

This is a comprehensive stool test that relies on quantitative polymerase chain
reaction (qPCR) technology to detect parasites, bacteria, H. pylori, fungi, and more by targeting the specific DNA of the organisms tested. Click here for more information.

LOCATION PERFORMED

At home.

SPECIMEN TYPE

Stool

COST

$399

INSURANCE

Depending on insurance coverage.

INSTRUCTIONS

Use Cannabis for Better Health
Use Cannabis for Better Health

WHY DO WE DO THIS TEST?

This is a comprehensive test that uses blood and urine to evaluate over 125 biomarkers. It provides recommendations for vitamins, minerals, amino acids, fatty acids, and digestive support. Click here for more information.

LOCATION PERFORMED

At home.

SPECIMEN TYPE

Blood and Urine

COST

$179 – $439

INSURANCE

Depending on insurance coverage.

INSTRUCTIONS

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Ut elit tellus, luctus nec ullamcorper mattis, pulvinar dapibus leo.
Use Cannabis for Better Health
Use Cannabis for Better Health

WHY DO WE DO THIS TEST?

Genova’s SIBO Profiles are non-invasive breath tests which capture exhaled hydrogen (H2) and methane (CH4) gases following patient ingestion of a lactulose solution to evaluate bacterial overgrowth of the small intestine

LOCATION PERFORMED

At home

SPECIMEN TYPE

Breath

COLLECTION INSTRUCTIONS

COST

$85-$225 depending on insurance coverage. 

Use Cannabis for Better Health
Use Cannabis for Better Health

WHY DO WE DO THIS TEST?

This test evaluates the presence of harmful mycotoxins (toxins produced by molds).

LOCATION PERFORMED

At Home

SPECIMEN TYPE

Urine

COLLECTION INSTRUCTIONS

SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS

Glutathione for 1 week, then bath or sauna.

COST

$699

INSURANCE

Fully covered by Medicare. Repeat test prices $249

Use Cannabis for Better Health
Use Cannabis for Better Health

WHY DO WE DO THIS TEST?

This test evaluates the genetic profile for multiple health indicators. Click here for more information.

LOCATION PERFORMED

At home

SPECIMEN TYPE

Blood Spot

COST

$319

INSURANCE

No insurance accepted

COLLECTION INSTRUCTIONS

Use Cannabis for Better Health
Use Cannabis for Better Health

WHY DO WE DO THIS TEST?

This company can test for lyme, babesia, bartonella and additional tick-borne illnesses. Click here for more information.

LOCATION PERFORMED

In office

SPECIMEN TYPE

Blood

COST

around $1600 (depends on panel selected)

INSURANCE

Fully covered by Medicare. May be reimbursed with PPO plans.
Use Cannabis for Better Health
Use Cannabis for Better Health

WHY DO WE DO THIS TEST?

This test evaluates the presence of harmful mycotoxins (toxins produced by molds).

LOCATION PERFORMED

At home

BLOOD FLUID

Urine

SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS

Glutathione for 1 week, then bath or sauna.

COST

$310

INSURANCE

No insurance accepted
Use Cannabis for Better Health
Use Cannabis for Better Health

WHY DO WE DO THIS TEST?

This test evaluates a wide range of environmental toxins that may be leading to harmful health effects.

LOCATION PERFORMED

At home

BLOOD FLUID

Urine

SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS

Glutathione for 1 week, then bath or sauna.

COST

$199

INSURANCE

No insurance accepted $30 discount given if done with mycotoxins.
Use Cannabis for Better Health
Use Cannabis for Better Health

WHY DO WE DO THIS TEST?

Blood work for blood count, urinalysis and vitamin levels.

LOCATION PERFORMED

BLOOD FLUID

Blood

NOTES

You often have to fast for these tests-please check your providers notes.

COST

Depending on the test, deductible or copay may apply.

INSURANCE

Depends on insurance coverage, deductible or copay may apply.
Use Cannabis for Better Health
Use Cannabis for Better Health

WHY DO WE DO THIS TEST?

Glyphosate (“Round Up”) is a pesticide that is widely used and this test indicates the body’s levels.

LOCATION PERFORMED

At home

BLOOD FLUID

Urine

SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS

Glutathione for 1 week, then bath or sauna.

COST

$99 ($69 if performed with mycotoxins or environmental toxins).

INSURANCE

No insurance accepted $30 discount given if done with mycotoxins or GPL Tox.
Use Cannabis for Better Health
Use Cannabis for Better Health

WHY DO WE DO THIS TEST?

This test evaluates many measures including micronutrients, antioxidants, minerals, detox, overview of gut function, omegas and toxic exposure. Click here for more information.

LOCATION PERFORMED

At home.

SPECIMEN TYPE

Urine

COST

$150 – $329

INSURANCE

Depending on insurance coverage. Fully covered by Medicare.

INSTRUCTIONS

Use Cannabis for Better Health
Use Cannabis for Better Health

WHY DO WE DO THIS TEST?

This test evaluates the gut function and indicates microbiome balance, overgrowth, infection, inflammation, parasites and digestive efficacy. Click here for more information.

LOCATION PERFORMED

At home

SPECIMEN TYPE

Stool

COST

$179-$439 depending on insurance coverage.

INSURANCE

Depending on insurance coverage. Fully covered by Medicare.

SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS

No probiotics for one week.

VIDEO INSTRUCTIONS

Use Cannabis for Better Health
Use Cannabis for Better Health

WHY DO WE DO THIS TEST?

This test evaluates the full menstrual cycle, female hormones, and adrenal profile.

LOCATION PERFORMED

At home

BLOOD FLUID

Urine

COST

$160-$329

INSURANCE

Depending on insurance coverage. Fully covered by Medicare.

NOTES

Must be off hormones in order to do the testing.
Use Cannabis for Better Health
Use Cannabis for Better Health

WHY DO WE DO THIS TEST?

This test is specifically for a tick-borne illness called “Bartonella”.

LOCATION PERFORMED

In office

BLOOD FLUID

Blood

COST

$260

INSURANCE

No insurance accepted
Use Cannabis for Better Health
Use Cannabis for Better Health

WHY DO WE DO THIS TEST?

This test evaluates the presence of potentially harmful heavy metals stored in the body.  Click here for more information.

LOCATION PERFORMED

At home

SPECIMEN TYPE

Urine

COST

Testing: $79 x2 paid to Doctor’s Data
DMSA: $38 paid to Johnson’s Compounding Pharmacy

INSURANCE

Not covered by Insurance
Use Cannabis for Better Health
Use Cannabis for Better Health

WHY DO WE DO THIS TEST?

This test measures saliva cortisol testing throughout the course of one day and informs us where there might be an adrenal imbalance.

LOCATION PERFORMED

At home

BLOOD FLUID

Saliva

COST

$80

INSURANCE

No insurance coverage

Use Cannabis for Better Health
Use Cannabis for Better Health

WHY DO WE DO THIS TEST?

This test is designed to look at food sensitivities (IgG immune responses). It is available in both a 99 or 184 panel. Click here for more information.

LOCATION PERFORMED

In office

SPECIMEN TYPE

Blood

COST

$129-238

INSURANCE

No insurance accepted