CANNAHEALTH Cannabis and Human Behavior | Page 44

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history all the way to modern history for medicinal and spiritual reasons. Besides my interest in cannabis in general, my specific interest is the use of cannabis in obstetrics and gynecology. There is a great paper by Ethan Russo that illustrates this history. It is a paper of great historical value.

Cannabis was one of the most prescribed medicines in the late 1800s. Cannabis prohibition in the 1920s and 1930s completely removed it from our society. Prior to prohibition, cannabis and hemp were used in numerous ways, including oils for ingestion, suave for topical use, teas, clothing, fuel, paper (the Declaration of Independence was written on hemp paper), and even building ships and homes from hemp fiber. In 1996, California was the first state to legalize the medicinal use of cannabis after 60+ years. Currently, over half of the states have some type of cannabis medical program. Certainly, more scientific study needs to be done to see how, why and to what extent cannabis medicine can help us.

Q: How do you infuse Cannabis in your practice?

A: A Cannabis Consultation takes about an hour. We discuss the plant, the substances in the plant (cannabinoids, terpenes, others), its history of medicinal use, the scientific evidence for medicinal value (eg NASEM report, etc), and the entourage effect.

We also discuss the Florida cannabis program and the criteria to be a patient (or caregiver) participant.

We also discuss the fundamentals of health including nutrition, lifestyle, stress levels, and hormone assessments. That has to be a part of any treatment plan to manage disease or health.

Q: Does your Cannabis involvement extend outside your practice?

A: I am intimately involved with the Society of Cannabis Clinicians. It is an educational and scientific society of qualified physicians and other professionals dedicated to the promotion, protection and support of cannabis for medical use.

The goals are:

1. Expansion of knowledge on the medical use of cannabis.

2. Facilitation of best practice standards for cannabis consultations.

3. To study, discuss and make recommendations relating to research, practice

2. Facilitation of best practice standards for cannabis consultations

3. To study, discuss and make recommendations relating to research, practice and policy in the medical use of cannabis