Medicinal Cannabis in Focus: Highlights from the CannaPlus+ Ask Me Anything Event

In October, CannaPlus+ hosted a fascinating Ask Me Anything (AMA) evening with Dr. Afraz Adam, their chief medical officer and a leading expert in medicinal cannabis and holistic healthcare.

The event provided a unique opportunity for attendees to explore the latest advancements in medicinal cannabis, ask questions, and gain insights into its applications for improving health and wellness.

Here’s a look at some of the key themes and insights from the event:

Understanding Medicinal Cannabis and the Endocannabinoid System (ECS)?

Dr. Adam explained the pivotal role of the ECS in regulating mood, pain, and overall wellness. He also highlighted how genetic blueprint testing can help clinicians personalise treatments to individual needs. While the process often involves trial and error, a diverse range of high/low THC and CBD products enables clinicians to offer tailored, patient-centric care.

Therapeutic Applications

Attendees were eager to learn about cannabis' therapeutic potential for various health conditions. Highlights included:

• Prostate Cancer Support: CBD may help reduce inflammation, manage treatment side effects, and support natural testosterone levels.
• Pain Management: THC and CBD can be used to help post-operative pain and chronic conditions, with a “start low, go slow” approach to minimise side effects.
• Appetite Control: Certain terpenes in cannabis can either stimulate or suppress appetite, offering tailored solutions for patients.

Dr. Adam also shared insights into the role of other cannabinoids like CBG (the “mother of all cannabinoids”) and its anti-inflammatory properties, which could open doors for new treatments.

Challenges in Medicinal Cannabis Adoption

The session addressed practical concerns, such as workplace THC testing and the need for better impairment strategies, as current testing methods don’t adequately differentiate between cannabis use and impairment.?

Attendees also discussed the importance of proper titration when transitioning from traditional medicines to cannabis-based treatments, emphasising patient-driven care.

Looking Ahead

Dr. Adam provided a glimpse into the future of medicinal cannabis, highlighting areas of growth such as the development of topical products and the integration of genetic research to optimise patient outcomes.?

He also acknowledged the challenges posed by a lack of inter-agency coordination and the limited availability of high-quality medicinal cannabis products in New Zealand.

This AMA session was a testament to the importance of education and dialogue. By breaking barriers, we can pave the way for medicinal cannabis to play a transformative role in healthcare.

A huge thank you to Dr. Afraz Adam and CannaPlus+ for hosting this event.