We’re Here for Physicians and Their Patients
As Georgia’s first physician-owned medical cannabis provider, Botanical Sciences takes a unique approach to cannabis medicine that centers the experience and needs of Georgia patients. That starts with providing physicians clear, credible, and current information that supports your efforts to provide exceptional care.
Scientific evidence for medical cannabis
Medical cannabis has been the subject of extensive scientific research in recent years. The active compounds in cannabis, known as cannabinoids, have been found to have a wide range of potential therapeutic uses.
While research on the potential therapeutic uses of medical cannabis is very promising, more research is needed to fully understand the potential, safety, and efficacy of various cannabis therapies. As one of only six cannabis companies in the Unites States to possess a schedule 1 DEA license number for research and development, we are proud to play a role, alongside local university partners, in studying the effects of different environmental factors on cannabis plants and adding to the nation’s growing body of research.
Pain Relief
Medical cannabis has been found to be effective in treating chronic pain, including neuropathic pain, which is often difficult to treat with traditional painkillers.
Anxiety and Depression
Cannabinoids have been shown to have anti-anxiety and antidepressant effects in animal models and clinical trials.
Nausea and Vomiting
Cannabinoids have been found to be effective in reducing nausea and vomiting in patients undergoing chemotherapy.
Inflammation
Cannabinoids have been shown to have anti-inflammatory effects, which may be useful in treating a variety of conditions such as Crohn’s disease, rheumatoid arthritis, and other inflammatory conditions.
Sleep Disorders
Cannabis has been found to be effective in treating sleep disorders such as insomnia and sleep apnea. Georgia patients who suffer from sleep disturbances due to a qualifying condition may benefit from this type of cannabis therapy.
Medical cannabis research
The International Alliance for Cannabinoid Medicines
The International Alliance for Cannabinoid Medicines (IACM) exists to advance knowledge on cannabis, cannabinoids, the endocannabinoid system, and related topics, particularly their therapeutic potential for patients.
PubMed
A database of scientific literature maintained by the National Library of Medicine, PubMed contains millions of articles on medical cannabis, including clinical trials and other research studies. You can search for articles using keywords such as “medical cannabis” or “cannabinoids.”
NIDA
The National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA): NIDA is a research institute that is part of the National Institutes of Health. It provides information on the effects of drugs, including cannabis, on the brain and body. NIDA also funds research studies on medical cannabis.
The Cochrane Library
The Cochrane Library is a collection of systematic reviews of medical research studies containing several reviews on medical cannabis, including its use for chronic pain and nausea and vomiting.
The American Medical Association
The AMA also provides information on medical cannabis and its potential uses, as well as guidelines for physicians who are considering recommending medical cannabis to their patients.
Guidance for overcoming stigma
Some physicians find it challenging to overcome stigma around medical cannabis, as it requires a shift in attitudes and beliefs that may have been ingrained over many years. There are several strategies that can be effective for physicians in addressing stigma—whether its their own internalized stigma or that of their patients.
Overall, overcoming stigma around medical cannabis requires a willingness to learn and a commitment to providing patient-centered care that takes into account the unique needs and preferences of each individual patient.
Education
One of the most effective ways to overcome stigma is through education. Seek out information on the scientific research and clinical trials on medical cannabis, as well as guidelines and recommendations from professional organizations such as the American Medical Association. This can help to dispel myths and misconceptions about medical cannabis and provide a more evidence-based understanding of its potential uses.
Center the patient experience
Physicians are excellent at centering patients in treatment recommendations—and cannabis medicine is no different. By considering the individual needs and preferences of your patient when deciding whether to recommend medical cannabis, you are empowering patients to make informed decisions about their own healthcare.
Collaborate with Other Healthcare Professionals
Collaboration with other healthcare professionals, such as pharmacists and nurses, may help you develop a more comprehensive understanding of medical cannabis use and the potential benefits and risks. This can also help to promote a more integrated approach to healthcare that takes into account the whole patient, rather than just their medical condition.
Engage with the Community
Engaging with your local communities to raise awareness of medical cannabis and its potential uses is a powerful way to reduce stigma, particularly with older patient populations. This could involve participating in public forums and events, as well as providing educational materials to patients and the wider community. Participating in ongoing professional development and engaging with the physician community can also help physicians stay up to date with the latest research and clinical practices around medical cannabis.
