Day 1 29 May, Friday
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09:00 — 10:00
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Arrival and registration
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10:00 — 10:30
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Opening ceremony
Lumír Ondřej Hanuš, PhD
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Toni Cahunek
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10:30 — 11:30
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From hemp to its present medical use
Lumír Ondřej Hanuš, PhD
Abstract
The lecture is devoted to the history and discoveries of active
compounds in the hemp and brain and to its worldwide medical use.
Stressed are advantages and possible disadvantages of this medical
plant.
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11:30 — 12:30
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The “ABC of CBD” or the importance of cannabidiol
Paul Hornby, PhD
Abstract
Cannabidiol (CBD) holds a greater medical future than
Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) although they work synergistically in being
effective against many illnesses; CBD has a profound efficacy with only
small amounts of THC needed. The greatest difference between THC and CBD is that THC is psychoactive
and can lead to a potentially unpleasant (non-fatal) overdose, whereas
this effect does not occur with CBD. Cannabidiol has been shown
clinically to be a powerful anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory and also
brings about pain relief with a marked reduction in anxiety. Cannabidiol (CBD) is normally recommended as a daytime medicine for
mental clarity, focus and anxiolytic properties as well as anti-cancer,
anti-inflammatory and anti-convulsent (epilepsy) effects
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12:30 — 13:00
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Coffee break
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13:00 — 14:00
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Life, Evolution, Endocannabinoids, and the Survival of Homo sapiens
Robert J. Melamede, PhD
Abstract
Far from equilibrium thermodynamics provides a foundation for
understanding life, evolution, and the unique role played by the
endocannabinoid system in these processes. The metabolic underpinnings
of life can be regulated by cannabinoids in order to promote health and
longevity. They do so by regulating the negative effects of excess free
radical production through their ability to control fat and carbohydrate
metabolism. An increase in cannabinoid activity is necessary for the
health modern man and human society. Marijuana has become an essential
nutrient.
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14:00 — 15:00
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The use of medical marijuana to treat patients with treatment-resistant Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
Sue Sisley, PhD
Abstract
The use of medical marijuana to treat patients with
treatment-resistant Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is supported
by a number of sources, including research in lab animals, fMRI imaging
in humans, and anecdotal reports from countless health practitioners and
patients. Additionally, clinical research in Israel evaluating medical
marijuana as treatment for PTSD has been promising. This study will
test four strains of smoked marijuana, each containing different
concentrations of active cannabinoids, in two three-week stages, as a
pharmacological agent to manage PTSD symptoms among 80 American war
veterans. This study is a collaboration between me and researchers from
Johns Hopkins University, University of Colorado, and University of
Pennsylvania. This will be the first randomized controlled crossover
clinical trial in the United States testing the therapeutic potential of
marijuana for PTSD. The primary measured outcome will be the Clinician
Administered PTSD Scale (CAPS-5), alongside extensive secondary
outcomes including sleep patterns, depression, withdrawal symptoms,
metabolic and inflammation panels, and self-reporting by the patients.
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15:00 — 16:00
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Practical issues on using the Cannabis as a Medical substance
Ilya Reznik, MD
Abstract
Marijuana, botanically known as cannabis, has been
around for thousands years. The medicinal and recreational uses of the
cannabis have been known from the ancient times and marijuana was used
as a legal form of the plant medicine till the1937-1941. Since that
time, marijuana was included to the upper part (Schedule 1) of the list
of controlled substances and its circulation (in any form) was announced
as illegal and prohibited. During the last decade some European (Holland, Spain, Germany, Austria),
American (Canada, several States in the USA) and other countries
(Israel), agreed to re-acknowledge the positive properties of marijuana
and decriminalized it’s usage for some certain medical
conditions/indications. Nevertheless, the wide (and growing!)
spreading of cannabis consumption among the population, mostly for
recreational purposes, enhances the demand for better definition between
medicinal and other usage of various forms of cannabis. The
international clinical and regulatory experience, accumulated in the
countries, already established the Medical Cannabis/Marihuana Programs,
should be carefully and systematically studied and critically assessed,
in order to elaborate the better (in the means of the Quality Control
and Accessibility) model(s) for the reducing of public stigma, proper
education of the health care professionals and to promoting medicinal
uses of the cannabis. Based on my large clinical experience in this field, I will review (in
short) the current Medical Cannabis/Marihuana Programs and will provide
some suggestions and practical tips on wise (careful and safe) usage the
Cannabis as a valuable Medical substance, especially for the patients
with the various neuropsychiatric disorders.
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16:00 — 18:00
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Closing session, networking
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Day 2 30 May, Saturday
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10:00 — 11:00
Two events at the same time! |
Evolution, Adaptability and Cannabinoids
Robert J. Melamede, PhD
info
The workshop will focus on functioning and importance of cannabinoids.
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Science, ethics and politics in classifying the dangers of drugs
Dušan Nolimal, MD, MSPH
Abstract
Over the past years the scientific, political and public
knowledge have changed quite significantly and recent debates about the
classification of certain drugs, especially cannabis, have led to
questions about the clarity, reliability and ethics of the current
system and whether it remains fit for purpose. The scientific evidence
and consensus are growing that the current classification of cannabis in
the UN system represents a historical anomaly and should be reviewed at
the earliest opportunity. It has been argued that cannabis lacks the
high abuse potential required for inclusion among the most dangerous
drugs. Also, the discovery of the cannabinoid receptor system in the
late 1980s revolutionized scientific understanding of cannabis’ effects
and provided further evidence that it has potential beneficial medical
effects. The 2016 UNGASS on drugs provides an opportunity to re-examine these
issues. We hope this re-examination will consider the scientific
findings regarding cannabis’s safety and efficacy in some medical
conditions as well as evidence on the possible health risks associated
with cannabis consumption, particularly in its smoked form. The UN
should guide national drug control and classification systems to be
predominantly science, ethics and human rights informed, including all
psychoactive plants and substances (whether licit or illicit), otherwise
the credibility of such approaches will be undermined.
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11:00 — 12:00
Two events at the same time! |
The use of medical marijuana to treat patients with treatment-resistant Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
Sue Sisley, PhD
info
At the workshop we will learn about:
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existing/current state of both anecdotal & observation data
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the design of the first ever triple blind randomized controlled trial evaluating use of Marijuana for military-related PTSD.
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about regulatory obstacles to conducting this scientific study and developing medical marijuana
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hypothesized mechanisms of action for use of MMJ in treatment of military-related PTSD.
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Medical Cannabis in Slovenia
Milan Krek, MD
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12:00 — 13:00
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Lunch break
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13:00 — 14:00
Two events at the same time! |
Practical issues on using the Cannabis
Ilya Reznik, MD
info
The workshop will provide insight to whom treatment with cannabis should be suggested and to whom, probably, not.
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A brief analysis of cannabis policy in the Republic of Slovenia
Maja Kohek
info
The workshop is meant for those who wish to learn about
legislation on illicit drugs in the Republic of Slovenia. We will
discuss the existing legislation, jurisprudence and methods of advocacy.
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14:00 — 15:00
Two events at the same time! |
Decarboxilation and standarization
Paul Hornby, PhD
info
The workshop will focus on the process and importance of standardization and decarboxylation of cannabis for medical purposes.
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Use of cannabis in Slovenia and experiences
Božidar Radišič
Abstract
The use of cannabis and its derivatives is widespread among
the Slovene patients, especially among cancer and neurological patients.
Due to the increasing number of reports on “miraculous” healings, we
have decided to start monitoring patients who would like to share their
experience with us; for the sake of credibility, we have decided to
gather their medical records. The lecture is a set of experiences based on interviews with patients
and their testimonies. All this is supported by medical records.
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15:00 — 16:30
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Round table “Cannabis: Way forward?”
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16:30 — 18:00
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Closing session, networking
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