{"id":4717,"date":"2021-04-02T19:39:27","date_gmt":"2021-04-02T19:39:27","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.santecannabis.ca\/?p=4717"},"modified":"2022-03-23T17:39:21","modified_gmt":"2022-03-23T21:39:21","slug":"ccm_quebec_2021","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.santecannabis.ca\/en\/ccm_quebec_2021\/","title":{"rendered":"Conference on Cannabinoid-based Medicines: their integration into Quebec\u2019s clinical practice"},"content":{"rendered":"

On March 24th, 2021 we were pleased to present our fourth annual medical cannabis forum series, now called the “Conference on cannabinoid-based medicines” – this event dedicated entirely to Quebec healthcare professionals.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

In Quebec, whether one is for or against its therapeutic use, medical cannabis is now one more tool in the modern pharmacopoeia. We believe that it is now essential to recognize the multidisciplinarity of the stakeholders involved in medical cannabis treatments, whether it is in relation to authorization, services and care provided to patients or in relation to research. More importantly, we want to bring these stakeholders together to discuss the integration of this additional tool into clinical practice in Quebec.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

This conference aimed to provide a better understanding of some of the challenges surrounding medical cannabis and to offer resources, including our <\/span>training program<\/span><\/a>, to overcome these challenges and increase general medical cannabis knowledge.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

We hold this event every year because we believe that medical cannabis is an essential service that must be free of stigma and integrated into medical practice. By hosting we hope to bring together the diverse perspectives of our presenters and audience to encourage innovative medical cannabis patient care, and do so by expanding on the learning beyond each participant’s specialization.<\/span><\/p>\n

Highlights from the talks:<\/span><\/h2>\n

If you weren\u2019t able to attend we\u2019re excited to share some of the highlights that our staff shared from each of the talks.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Lack of knowledge of the endocannabinoid system: An important obstacle to overcome<\/span><\/h2>\n

Vi Dam, RN, MSc<\/span><\/h3>\n

Ms. Dam\u2019s presentation was highlighted by a patient testimony that was very powerful and touched other presenters as well as attendees. It showed how complex and difficult it is for patients to find the right treatment and highlighted the lack of healthcare professional training and support for patients for whom conventional treatments do not work. It reminded us why we do what we do and how essential our services are.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Testimony of a specialized nurse practitioner<\/span><\/h2>\n

Isabelle T\u00eatu, IPS, MSc<\/span><\/h3>\n

Ms. T\u00eatu has noted the number of patients asking about medical cannabis in her clinical practice is increasing, but inadequate training for healthcare professionals have left many professionals unable to support their patients with the answers to the questions they have.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

PANEL: Integrating medical cannabis into your clinical practice: From novice to experienced physicians<\/span><\/h2>\n

Dr. Na\u00efla Debache, MD, Dr. J\u00e9r\u00f4me Lopez, MD and Dr. Viviane Hoduc MD <\/span><\/h3>\n

All three of these inspiring doctors took different paths leading them to integrate medical cannabis to their routine practice. At first, it was a frustrating trial-and-error, learn-as-you-go method to learn about medical cannabis, and we are proud that Sant\u00e9 Cannabis was the resource that helped them overcome this challenge through our clinical experience.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cCannabis is illegal in France, and I arrived here with apprehensions […] I started learning about it, thinking that I would maybe have patients using cannabis for recreational purposes. I wanted to be ready to meet problems related to this. So I collected information, in the end mostly about medical cannabis.\u201d (our translation) – Dr Lopez<\/span><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

He expanded about how his training and investigation changed his mind, and he now considers medical cannabis as part of his routine practice.<\/span><\/p>\n

Cannabinoid Titration and Opioid Tapering in Patients with Chronic Pain – a consensus-based algorithm <\/span><\/h2>\n

Dr. Jordi Perez-Martinez<\/span><\/h3>\n

Dr. <\/span>Perez\u2019s presentation was very interesting and pertinent for clinical practice, especially considering the current opioid crisis.<\/span> He presented an algorithm for cannabinoid titration and opioid tapering in patients with chronic pain that has been built as many chronic pain specialists reached a consensus.This algorithm brings hope that more algorithms and clinical guidelines can be developed, even without a conclusive medical cannabis consensus in the general medical community.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

About the important question, \u201care there age limits with this algorithm?\u201d:<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWe always start with the notion that the use of THC in young patients with a developing brain is probably not a good candidate. But we can’t forget that these are patients who are already taking opiates and we know that opiates have a negative effect on cognitive development.” Dr. Perez-Martinez<\/span><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

There remains a need for rigorous research, and a broader consensus must be reached before medical cannabis for pain management will be implemented everywhere.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Workshop: Should cannabinoid-based treatments be maintained in the medical field?<\/span><\/h2>\n

Dr. Charles Sun<\/span><\/h3>\n

Cannabis is a unique medicine, as there are currently two access points to this substance: for medical purposes through the medical cannabis program, and for non-medical use through the retail points of the SQDC. Dr. Sun asked the audience about their opinions on maintaining two separate programs, and what might be reasons for or against.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span>We were pleasantly surprised to see that almost every person who responded said they believe that a seperate medical cannabis program should exist outside of the non-medical program. Dr. Sun asked them to expand on their reasoning and the answers collected from the different questions provided food for thought:<\/span><\/p>\n