The cannabis plant has been used by humans for over 5000 years, but we are just starting to unravel the science behind how it works.
The complex endocannabinoid system is the key to understanding cannabis. It is a body system just like the circulatory or digestive system that is responsible for the homeostasis or balancing of all body systems. This system affects important functions such as learning, memory, emotions, sleep, temperature, pain, sensation, muscle control, energy balance, mood, motivation/reward, stress, inflammation, immune responses, eating and arousal. Cannabis is full of compounds that act on the endocannabinoid system.
After realizing how important the endocannabinoid system is, it’s understandable why cannabis is used for so many conditions. In fact, my pharmacist brain almost explodes from the potential for health in this plant. It’s likely that this system is involved in many disease states and could be the key to better health. The discovery of this endocannabinoid system was recent (1992) and has yet to be incorporated into most medical schools so patients and healthcare providers have the burden of learning about cannabis on their own.
Patient Resources
Reading the articles in Salt Baked City is a fantastic start, but here are a few more recommendations to learn about cannabis:
Websites
Leafly and Cannigma have many cannabis articles. I would make sure they are reviewed by experts and include references. Also check out websites of local Qualified Medical Provider (QMP) offices, cannabis pharmacies, and the Utah Department of Health.
Pharmacists and Pharmacy Agents
Schedule a follow-up consultation with the pharmacist at a local cannabis pharmacy.
Cannabis pharmacists are a free resource at all of Utah’s pharmacies and patient education is their primary role. Pharmacists are always on-site to answer follow-up medical questions during operating hours. I know many of Utah’s cannabis pharmacists and consumers are in great hands asking them for advice. Utah crafted its cannabis laws to ensure pharmacists remain unbiased in their recommendations. They are not allowed by law to profit from creating products (processing) or owning a large percentage of a pharmacy. This ensures they are not financially motivated. While a pharmacy agent is prohibited by Utah law from giving medical advice, they are often the best tool for learning about products. Visit your favorite pharmacy often to get to know the staff and ask lots of questions.
Social Media and Educational Events
Follow Utah cannabis pharmacies on Instagram and sign up for their text clubs. Look for free educational events from pharmacies, QMP offices, and advocacy groups.
The Utah legislature has recently passed some advertising rules which are confusing and place a burden on cannabis pharmacies and processors trying to educate patients about their available products. Hopefully this will not be a barrier to patient education. Be patient as they all navigate these new restrictions. Here are some Instagram accounts I suggest you follow to get started. Cannabis is still prohibited on social media so accounts are hard to find and sometimes get shut down.
- Salt Baked City – @saltbakedcity
- Pharmacies – @perfectearthutah, @thebeehivefarmacy, @wholesomecocannabis, @dragonfly.wellness, @meetusatthebloc, @deseret.wellness, @curaleaf.usa, @pure.utah, @cannabist.ut, @zionmedicinal
- QMP offices and cannabis coaches – @utahmarijuana.org, @empathetixut, @kindbuds, @humannaturemedical, @terrahealthandwellness, @alohamedservices
- Advocacy Groups – @utahcannabisassociation, @truceutah, @utahpatients
Provider/Industry Resources
Providers, industry workers, or patients wanting more detail may want to dive deeper into education. Here are some recommendations:
University Graduate Programs
The University of Maryland Pharmacy School has the first advanced cannabis graduate degree in their Master’s of Cannabis Science and Therapeutics program. I am the first graduate of this program in Utah and there are more providers from Utah scheduled to graduate next summer. This program is intense and involves time (two years) and a financial commitment. I did learn more about cannabis than I could have on my own but the most valuable thing from this program was the network of cannabis professionals all over the country that will continue to teach me throughout my career.
Pharmacists
I recommend all healthcare providers new to cannabis schedule a consultation with a Utah cannabis pharmacist to learn about the program, available products, and advice on dosing. Call your local cannabis pharmacy and ask for a tour with the Pharmacist in Charge. As a pharmacist at Beehive Farmacy, I consider educating other providers one of my important responsibilities and something I will always make time for. I am always happy to teach providers in Utah about cannabis medicine and available products. Pharmacists are also available for continuing education events and presentations to medical groups.
PudMed and Cannakeys
PubMed is the ultimate search engine to find peer-reviewed scientific research and review articles. This is the resource I use most often. Cannakeys is a quick overview of cannabis research. I would recommend this as a quick online tool but never a replacement for evaluating the primary literature.
Green Flower
Greenflower is a cannabis educational platform I use at Beehive Farmacy to train my pharmacy agents and pharmacists. They also have more advanced courses such as the Ganjier program. Utah’s first official Cannabis Ganjier is Dr. Corey Anden.
Linked-In
This is the most cannabis-friendly social media platform and I recommend it to everyone in the industry. Make a profile and follow everyone you know in the Utah cannabis community as well as national cannabis experts. This is often the first place I learn about new research and cannabis advancements.
Books
Here is a list of books I recommend
- “Cannabis is Medicine” Bonnie Goldstein, 2020
- “Cannabis Pharmacy” Michael Backes, 2017
- “Handbook of Cannabis for Clinicians” Dustin Sulak, 2021
- “The Health Effects of Cannabis and Cannabinoids” National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine, 2017
Cannabis science is constantly changing and I learn new things every single day. Albert Einstein said it best when he said, “The more I learn, the more I realize how much I don’t know.”
The best advice I can give is to expect to have your mind changed often and be wary of the source who thinks they know it all. The best way to approach cannabis education is with an open mind and a curiosity to learn more. If it seems overwhelming, just try to learn one new thing everyday. Cannabis science will continue to evolve over time so get ready for a lifetime of learning about this fascinating plant.
