Great Falls doctor begins medical marijuana survey

A Great Falls doctor who specializes in pain treatment is launching a statewide online survey of medical marijuana users seeking to learn its benefits and side effects. Dr. K. Allan Ward, a pain specialist at Great Falls Orthopedic Associates, said he wants to find out why people use medical marijuana, what they are using it to treat and how it interacts with other drugs they may be taking. "Most providers are very concerned and wonder what to do" with medical marijuana patients, Ward said. "In examining the medical literature, there are presently no definitive answers on the basic questions. There are currently, as far as I know, no published studies looking at legal marijuana use on a large scale." The survey also asks people about other drug use and whether they have a history of alcohol or drug dependency, how they get their medical marijuana and how much they pay for it. Those answering the online survey can remain anonymous.