February 23, 2021
Cannabis policy across the globe is undergoing seismic changes, and nationwide, 36 states now have a medical cannabis program. It is no longer a question of if a state will create a medical cannabis program, but when.
The California Medical Association (CMA) has joined the Medical Cannabis Research Advocacy Alliance (MCRAA), a new physician-led and patient-focused organization to advance medical cannabis research and education.
Their mission is to educate patients, policymakers and the medical community about the crucial need to advance medical cannabis research to protect patients, further scientific knowledge and realize the full potential of evidence-based medical cannabis treatments that can positively impact and improve patient health and wellbeing.
“We started MCRAA because there was a need for an alliance that welcomed physicians, other clinicians, researchers, cannabis companies, pharmaceutical companies and patient groups to work together to improve access to medical cannabis research and education,” said Ted Zanker, M.D. and MCRAA Board Chair.
Physicians are encouraged to join MCRAA’s first virtual conference – Medical Cannabis: Advancing Research and Policy in the Modern Age – on March 13, 2021, from 8:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. to learn more about medical cannabis while earning continuing medical education (CME). The agenda includes the following panel discussions:
- The History of Medical Cannabis
- Endocannabinoid Physiology 101
- Patient Perspectives on the Importance of Ensuring Quality and Safety
- Current Federal Landscape of Cannabis
- Update on State Medical Cannabis Programs
- The Clinician’s Perspective: Potential Liability and Policy Recommendations
- Most Current Medical Cannabis Research, and Current Barriers
Because CMA is a member of MCRAA, CMA members can enjoy a special $49 registration by choosing the “member” ticket online. Medical students can register for free, and medical residents can join for $28. Physicians can receive 1 continuing medical education credit for participating.
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This activity has been planned and implemented in accordance with the accreditation requirements and policies of the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME) through the joint providership of MedChi, The Maryland State Medical Society and the Medical Cannabis Research Advocacy Alliance (MCRAA). The MedChi is accredited by the ACCME to provide continuing medical education for physicians.” MedChi designates this live online webinar educational activity for a maximum of 1 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™. Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.