Keynote Presentation: Cannabis in 2020: The Contemporary Healer's Responsible Conversation

Well-documented as a botanical medicine for over 5,000 years, the discovery of endogenous cannabinoid receptors and evidence-based reports indicating the efficacy of medical cannabis for treating pain have renewed consideration of its therapeutic use. Dr. Block emphasizes how appreciating the biologic context of how and why endogenous cannabinoid receptors function will allow healthcare providers to better interpret pre-clinical trials and limited evidence-based data. Examination of the cannabis plant’s biochemistry and mechanisms of action revealed so-called endocannabinoid receptors and their natural ligands, comprising a previously unknown ubiquitous receptor system responsible for maintaining physiological balances that are essential to sustaining animal life. In consideration of opioids and balanced risk reduction strategies, this chapter summarizes evidence-based safety and efficacy profiles that suggest therapeutic balances of phytocannabinoid and terpenoid compounds. Dr. Block’s conclusions discuss a bioethical rationale for compassionate access to cannabis when used for the treatment of pain as well as public health concerns from contaminants to dependence.

Learning Objectives:

1. Describe the endocannabinoid receptors’ unique mechanism of action and their role in maintaining essential human physiologic balances

2. Discuss the clinical significance of evidence-based data vs. anecdotal reports

3. Understand how better legislation can help ensure better patient outcomes.