Doctors Attend Medical Marijuana Conference
A group of Bermudian physicians and pharmacists traveled to Orlando, Florida this past weekend to attend the American Medical Marijuana Physicians Association’s 2019 Annual Conference.
A spokesperson said, “The American Medical Marijuana Physicians Association [AMMPA], the largest physician medical cannabis association in the world, is an association of esteemed medical practitioners that focus on providing physicians and healthcare professionals with the resources they need to safely and effectively utilize medical cannabis as an alternative treatment modality for their patients.
“The conference was also attended by world renowned physicians, scientific researchers, and attorneys, including Nikki Fried, Florida’s Commissioner of Agriculture and Dr. Hinanit Koltai, representing the Government of Israel, Volcani Research Center delivering two key note addresses.
“The Bermuda group of medical professionals who attended this year’s conference included Dr. Kyjuan Brown & Dr. Cindy Morris of Northshore Medical Center, Dr. Stanley James of Premier Health & Wellness, Dr. Annabel Fountain of Fountain Health, and pharmacists, Mrs. Jennie Lightbourne and Mrs. Olivia Benyak-Pitcher of Northshore Pharmacy Ltd.
“The trip inspired the local delegation of doctors to launch the Bermuda Medicinal Cannabis Association [BMCA], a local group of medical professions committed to public and physician education, legislative advocacy, and regulatory compliance regarding medicinal cannabis. The BMCA’s administrative structure is as follows:
- President – Mrs. Jennie Lightbourne
- Vice President- Dr. Stanley James
- Secretary – Mrs. Olivia Benyak-Pitcher
- Communications Officer- Dr. Kyjuan Brown.
“The BMCA has formally written to the Bermuda Government to offer the group’s expertise as an educational resource on evidence based medicinal cannabis research and science.”
Dr. Kyjuan Brown said, “At North Shore Medical & Aesthetics Center, we remain committed to engaging in local and international research and educational opportunities that will further enhance the care that we provide to our patients.
“On behalf of NMAC and the many patients in Bermuda who can benefit from this evolving alternative medicine, I was pleased to join a conglomerate of local doctors in attending the AMMPA conference this past weekend where we engaged with like-minded physicians from around the world who shared the latest evidence-based research on medicinal cannabis.
“Since 2014 I have been advocating for patients to have access to medical cannabis, I look forward to the day when medicine would become a legal treatment option.”
Jennie Lightbourne of North Shore Pharmacy Ltd said, “The conference provided invaluable insight on the recent research coming out of Israel regarding the ‘entourage effect’ between compounds and the active pharmaceutical ingredients [API] form cannabis and their medical activity at the physiological and molecular levels in human cells and tissues.
“I am grateful for the opportunity to learn from and network with some of the global physician leaders in the medicinal cannabis space.”
Dr. Cindy Morris said, “I learned from the expertise of doctors who have several patients being followed for treatment of their medical conditions using the various cannabis medications. The minor complications that have occurred so far in the thousands of patients in the USA and Israel have proven that it is safe as an addition and an alternative to western medicine.
“The incorporation of cannabis related products paired with my knowledge of pain management of the nervous system although recently new, answers many questions that traditional medicine has not answered.”
Dr. Annabel Fountain of Fountain Health said, “As a physician with limited knowledge of medical use of cannabis I am cautious about the potential unintended consequences, particularly with regards to psychosis. Areas of benefit that I’m excited about are the use of cannabis products to treat diabetic neuropathy, to assist in recovery after brain injury and to reduce dependence on opioids.
“Bermuda has so many road injuries and stroke disease and we exceed the national quota of opioid medications for pain from the International narcotics control board every year. For these indications, cannabis is established as a safe alternative.”
I don’t need or want any doctors advice on a subject I am well versed in and have advocated since 1984, obviously they have gotten a heads up on changes which are forthcoming and smell money. De-schedule the plant and repeal all criminal sanctions against its use by adults so the plant or its use is not dependent upon prescription by some recently reformed physician or a permit/license from government. After decades of oppressive anti-herb hysteria headed by government and the medical fraternity, both should be barred from any profiteering from a plant they worked so hard for so long to demonize and eliminate. Restorative justice.
Tax it!! You want to get high they pay the entry fee!
I am so glad to see that some Bermuda doctors are progressive enough to investigate medical marijuana .As someone who-was addicted to opioid medication after surgery and was able to get off of it with the help of my doctor who gave my wife a way to gradually cut down on on the dosage until I was able to quit and flush the rest down the toilet.I will never no matter how much pain I am in use that stuff again.There are still doctors in Bermuda who are prescribing opioids medications even while knowing how addictive it is.Unfortunately in some cases there is no alternative one of my doctors would like to prescribe medical marijuana for me because of pain from neuropathy and arthritis but has told me that she can not get it because of current laws and restrictions. Being a former reserve police officer I have lived within and respected the laws of Bermuda my whole life but at almost 73 years of age unless drastic changes to the law take place
I may be forced to break the law.As a popular t.v host who has used marijuana tincture on his tongue for years because of suffering from m.s.said if a Dr says it is beneficial then there is no legislator who should be able to go against that.
Would be nice to have a forum on REPARATIONS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I am so happy to see these doctors expanding their already vast medical knowledge to include alternative medicines that can only enhance their patients’ medical treatments. I hope these doctors also go beyond medical marijuana and also research how food therapy can also enhance their patients’ medical treatments. A holistic medicinal approach should include all of the above for the best chance for patients’ outcomes.