Medical cannabis has become a hot topic in Maryland, as the state is one of 38 in the US that has legalized cannabis for medical purposes. With the increasing interest and use of cannabis products, there is a growing need for health care practitioners to be well-informed and prepared to counsel patients on medical cannabis. A recent paper published in JAMA Network Open, co-authored by a faculty member at the University of Maryland School of Medicine (UMSOM), highlights the lack of preparedness among health care practitioners and students in this area.
Dr. David Gorelick, a Clinical Professor of Psychiatry at the Maryland Psychiatric Research Center and one of the study co-authors, emphasized the importance of incorporating key content related to medical cannabis into medical school curricula. The goal is to equip future physicians with the necessary knowledge and skills to navigate the landscape of medical cannabis use, which is only expected to grow as more states legalize cannabis for both medical and recreational purposes.
The paper outlined six core competencies that should be included in medical school curricula to ensure that students are well-prepared to address medical cannabis with their patients. These competencies cover topics such as the endocannabinoid system, the biological effects of cannabis, the legal and regulatory landscape of cannabis in the US, the evidence base for using cannabis to manage health conditions, the potential risks of medical cannabis use, and basic clinical management with medical cannabis.
UMSOM is already ahead of the curve in providing training on cannabis to medical students. Dr. Joseph Martinez, the Associate Dean for Medical Education and Student Experience at UMSOM, mentioned that the school incorporates lectures on cannabis in the pre-clerkship curriculum and provides hands-on experience in caring for patients using cannabis during clinical rotations. Dr. Gorelick expressed his satisfaction with the current curriculum at UMSOM, but also highlighted the need for continued progress in incorporating cannabis-related materials into clinical clerkships and residencies.
In addition to his work at UMSOM, Dr. Gorelick is involved in the Maryland Cannabis Public Health Advisory Council, which makes public health recommendations related to cannabis, including the development of core cannabis competencies for all health care professionals in Maryland. The aim is to ensure that all clinicians are equipped to address patient needs related to cannabis use, whether for medical or recreational purposes.
As the landscape of cannabis use continues to evolve, it is crucial for health care practitioners to be knowledgeable and prepared to address patient needs in this area. By incorporating cannabis education into medical school curricula and providing ongoing training for clinicians, Maryland is taking proactive steps to ensure that patients receive the best possible care when it comes to medical cannabis use.
