Medical Marijuana Goes Mainstream
 
By Elizabeth Sexton


Medical Marijuana is a hot topic sparking debate amongst legislators and igniting new questions for health professionals.

In early May, legislators in Washington D.C. took action that could give qualifying residents within our nation’s capitol the opportunity to legally access medical marijuana. The legislation, expected to pass before June, awaits final passage from Congress and The White House.

Meanwhile, in 14 states across the nation medical cannabis is already being used as a legal treatment for patients suffering from serious illnesses such as cancer, multiple sclerosis, HIV/AIDS, glaucoma and epilepsy. Medical experts say that among applications, marijuana can relieve nausea, vomiting, certain AIDS symptoms, side effects of chemotherapy and help lower eye pressure for glaucoma patients. Researchers in the field have reported that cannabis may even suppress some types of cancer and reduce risks of Alzheimer’s disease.

While more study is needed to further explore the effects of cannabis in the body, it is clear that public support is rising. Recent polls from ABC have revealed that 80% of Americans support legalizing marijuana for medical use.

As increasingly favorable medical marijuana legislation makes its way throughout the nation, doctors, who say their patients have growing questions of the burning kind, are calling for more guidance and open discussion about marijuana in the medical community.

“The ability to offer this type of medical treatment as another option to patients who are seriously ill is considered by many advocates to be a major advancement in both humanitarianism and science,” said Dr. William Courtney, a CME Instructor who teaches courses on clinical cannabis. “However, it’s important to remember that despite growing public support, there are still several misconceptions about medical and dietary cannabis, and progression in political legislation is bringing a new responsibility and call to knowledge for those in medical field.”

In response to the growing demand for education and professional training, medical cannabis seminars and CME courses are gaining traction. Educational institutions, such as 420 University and Oaksterdam, are providing rotating venues where professionals and patients receive fundamental instruction on the new ways this ancient medicine is being legally and safely applied.

One upcoming opportunity for those looking to advance their knowledge of medical cannabis will take place on July 10-11 in Kalamazoo, Mich., during “The Science and Compassionate Care Seminar.” The two-day seminar, hosted by 420 University, will provide instruction on medical cannabis topics for physicians and caregivers including, Cannabinoid Science, Patient Affairs, Symptoms and Qualifying Conditions, Dietary Issues, Legal, and Certification Practice.

“We provide comprehensive education for all individuals seeking knowledge about medical cannabis, with a special focus for physicians and caregivers that can’t be acquired through reading or online research,” said William J. Beaton of 420 University. “Because we are also presenting fundamental instruction for new caregivers and patients in subjects like Cooking and Cultivation, medical professionals receive a complete education that gives them an opportunity to understand where the patient is coming from and what responsibilities are involved.”

Beaton believes such educational opportunities can cut through stereotypes and facilitate awareness on both ends of the patient-doctor relationship.

University speakers will include endocannabinoid pioneer Dr. Robert Melamede of Cannabis Science Inc., renowned cultivator and policy authority Ed Rosenthal, and also Dr. William Courtney, Vice President of the Association of Luxembourgeois des Methodes Preventives. To learn more about additional speakers from 420 University or to purchase tickets, visit www.420xpress.com.