JERUSALEM, December 14, 2022 – The Hebrew University of Jerusalem (HU), a world leader in cannabis research and development, is launching a 13-session medical cannabis course to better educate doctors, nurses, pharmacists and other medical professionals about new cannabinoid treatments, practices, and the latest research.
The Hebrew University Multidisciplinary Center for Cannabinoid Research (HU-MCCR) includes Prof. Raphael Mechoulam, known as the “Father of Cannabis Research” for his significant discoveries in this field over the past 55 years. Other MCCR experts include Prof. Yossi Tam, and Hadassah Medical Center’s Prof. Yakir Rottenberg. Click here for video of Prof. Tam discussing the new course.
“The importance of medical cannabis education is undisputed,” says Prof. Tam, director of the MCCR. “As cannabis is becoming legalized in an increasing number of countries, it is more important than ever for doctors to understand this drug, its myriad uses, its benefits, as well as its current shortcomings. Our course reflects the expertise and extensive knowledge at the university. Medical practitioners will be able to learn from our leading cannabis researchers, gaining the knowledge to treat and advise with confidence.”
Doctors need greater access to knowledge about the drug, and this course aims to educate health professionals about the therapeutic role of medical cannabis in patient health. Cannabis has many medical uses from treating adults with chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting to treating chronic pain and treating adults with multiple sclerosis (MS)-related spasticity.
As an increasing number of countries legalize the use of medical cannabis, it is becoming more important to educate physicians who play a major role in implementing policies. Harvard University found a disconnect between patients wanting to learn about medical marijuana and doctors being overly dismissive of the treatment opportunities. As a result, doctors are now playing catch-up and trying to gain more knowledge about medical cannabis treatments. Researchers at the MCCR created the virtual medical cannabis series to help disseminate information and dispose of stigmas associated in their field.
Developed by MCCR experts and produced by HU’s Tech Transfer Company, Yissum, the virtual course will be distributed in English and Spanish for a global audience. The semester-long course includes 13 online curriculum segments covering the medical history of cannabis, treatments, drug safety, research breakthroughs, medicinal uses, and practices, with the aim of providing a thorough education for medical professionals about the therapeutic use of cannabis. . “This course will propel the advancement of medicinal cannabis and its usage, offering patients and doctors the benefits of cannabis treatments. Yissum is proud of this project and looks forward to the course’s inevitable growth,” says Dr. Itzik Goldwaser, CEO of Yissum.
