Experts

Biographical notes


JonathanGrunfeld, MD, PhD

neurologist, neuro-oncologist

  • Palliative Care, Asaf Harofeh Medical Center, Israel

Graduated with MD in medicine from the Telv Aviv University in 1996, certified in neurology 2002, completed a fellowship in neuro-oncology in the M.D. Anderson Cancer Center in 2004. Primarily active in oncological symptom management in the Assaf HaRofeh Medical Center since 2005. First witnessed the medical benefits of cannabis directly circa 2009, and since then acquired authority to issue permits for medical use of cannabis in cancer patients and accumulated experience with over 4000 patients issued such permits.

Lectures and workshops on our seminars

2019 Medical use of cannabis – an overview of the current condition Abstract

Lumír OndřejHanuš, PhD

analytical chemist, researcher

  • Palacký University Olomouc, Czech Republic
  • Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Israel

Lumír Ondřej Hanuš is a Czech analytical chemist and leading authority in the field of cannabis research. In 1992, he and William Anthony Devane isolated and first described the structure of anandamide, an endogenous cannabinoid neurotransmitter. Recipient of numerous awards in the fields of chemistry and medicine (Memorial Medal, Doctor honoris causa, Jack Herer Award, Outstanding Immigrant Scientist ).

In 2010 and 2011 he participated in seminars in the Czech Parliament, focused on the establishment of treatment with cannabinoids.

Read in Wikipedia

Lectures and workshops on our seminars

2014 From Cannabis to endocannabinoids – from ancient to present medical use Abstract
2015 From hemp to its present medical use Abstract
2017 Are in cannabis curative (medicinal) just only cannabinoids? Abstract
2017 Are in cannabis curative (medicinal) just only cannabinoids? Workshop
2019 Are we treating with cannabis correctly? Abstract

DavidNeubauer, PhD, MD

neurologist, researcher

  • University Medical Centre Ljubljana (UMCL)
  • University of Ljubljana – Medical Faculty
  • Division of Paediatrics
  • Dept. of Child, Adolescent & Developmental Neurology –
  • Past Head – 1996–2014

Memberships, etc

  • Director of the NGO-Foundation of Child Neurology, Slovenia (since 1997)
  • President of the Paediatric Board at Slovenian Medical Association
  • President of the Board of Paediatrics at the Ministry of Health, Slovenia
  • Past President of the Ethics WG at EAP- European Academy of Paediatrics, Paediatric Section of UEMS (2006-2017)
  • EACD – member
  • EPNS – member
  • ICNA – member

Training

  • Diploma of Medicine, University of Ljubljana, Medical Faculty: 1978
  • Board of Paediatrics. 8. 12. 1984
  • Licence in Paediatrics
  • Licence in Child Neurology
  • PhD Thesis at University of Ljubljana, Medical faculty: 12.11.1993
  • At Medical Faculty, Ljubljana: Chair of Paediatrics
  • Full professor since 2006
  • Senior Councillor/Senior consultant from1999 At Ministry of Health, Slovenia:
  • Visiting professor and senior consultant in Child Neurology: since 1993 – until present at Ministry of Health, Kuwait:
  • Studies abroad: Lyon and Paris, France: 1981, 1984, London, UK: 1984, 1990

Present positions held:

  • Head of the Paediatric Council at The Ministry of Health, Slovenia
  • Past Head of Paediatric Board at the Slovenian Medical Association (2010-2017)

Field(s) of clinical and research interest

  • Neonatal neurology
  • Neurophysiology – paediatric EEG
  • Rare diseases (neurodegenerative/neurometabolic)
  • Cerebral palsy
  • Ethics

Projects (cooperation):

  • Hypoxic-ischaemic encephalopathy
  • RESPECT – ethical issues on children research
  • nEUroped – rare diseases in neuropaediatrics
  • NOTE – on-line learning in Neonatology
  • SCPE-4Net – Surveillance of cerebral palsy in Europe
  • PHIME – impact of mercury on early child development

Literature: see here

Lectures and workshops on our seminars

2019 Slovenian experience with the use of cannabis and domestic cannabis products in the treatment of persistent epilepsy, certain epileptic syndromes, and encephalopathies of the childhood period Abstract

SueSisley, PhD

psychiatrist, researcher

  • Assistant Professor, Clinical Faculty – University of Arizona Collegeof Medicine, Tucson, Arizona
  • Arizona Telemedicine Program, Assistant Director of
  • Interprofessional Education, Phoenix, AZ
  • Principal Investigator, FDA-Approved Investigation of the Safety and Efficacy of Medical Marijuana in Veterans with Chronic, Treatment-Resistant PTSD

Dr. Sue Sisley MD is an Arizona-based physician practicing Internal Medicine and Psychiatry.

She works as Medical Director for medical cannabis license holders in 11 different states/territories from Hawaii to Puerto Rico to New York.

Sue serves as Site Principal Investigator for the only FDA-approved randomized controlled trial in the world examining safety/efficacy of whole plant marijuana in combat veterans with treatment-resistant post traumatic stress disorder PTSD.  Dr. Sisley is on faculty at Colorado State University PUEBLO campus, recruited for core planning team to organize the CSUP "ICR Institute of Cannabis Research" in Pueblo, Colorado. Dr. Sisley has been a Member of Nevada ILAC Medical Cannabis Commission for the past two years outlining regulations for laboratory testing including limits on pesticides, residual solvents and other guidelines that are currently being used as a model for other states medical cannabis laws. She also serves on the Steering Committee for Thomas Jefferson University Lambert Cannabis .

Lectures and workshops on our seminars

2015 The use of medical marijuana to treat patients with treatment-resistant Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) Abstract
2015 The use of medical marijuana to treat patients with treatment-resistant Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) info
2017 Researching Medical Cannabis: Navigating Barriers To Efficacy Research Abstract
2017 Researching Medical Cannabis: Navigating Barriers To Efficacy Research Workshop
2019 Research barriers in the science of cannabis Abstract

TanjaBagar, PhD

microbiologist, researcher

  • CEO and Chairman of the Expert Council of the International Institute for cannabinoids

Tanja Bagar is the CEO and Chairman of the Expert Council of the International Institute for cannabinoids. She is active in the academic sphere, lecturing microbiology, biochemistry and topics on ecology at the Faculty  Alma Mater Europaea and cooperates scientifically with the Austrian College of Health and Development. She is a member of the Pomurje Academy of Arts and Sciences, Slovenian Biochemical Society, the Slovenian Association of Psychologists and is one of the founders of the society for the preservation and protection of the environment. She has extensive research experience gained in laboratories in Slovenia and abroad. Since 2013, she participates as a peer reviewer for the national competition of research projects, organized by the Association for Technical Culture of Slovenia. For her social engagement she received the Slovenian social responsibility award HORUS and is an honorary member of the social cooperative KonopKo.

She attended various conferences on cannabinoids and endocannabinoid system at a national and international level. She holds knowledge in the fields of microbiology, cell biology, biochemistry and molecular biology in conjunction with the endocannabinoid system and the functioning of cannabinoids, laboratory analysis ... She has completed an intensive four week e-education program Concepts of Cannabis Science I, carried out by Kenevir Research (Oregon, USA), and also follow-up program Concepts of Cannabis Science II.

Lectures and workshops on our seminars

2019 Mitochondria and their interaction with cannabinoids Abstract

Dorothy H.Bray, PhD

pharmacist, researcher

  • C-Level experience in large and small companies in North America and Europe
  • Academic track record in scientific leadership delivering novel discoveries and business strategy
  • European Commission's Scientific Expert since 1994
  • Worldwide network of collaborations with pharmaceutical companies, governments, and non- government organizations in all key markets

Dr Dorothy H Bray is ImmunoClin’s founder with sound expertise in pharmaceutical business development, pre-clinical and clinical development for novel pharmaceuticals and functional food products. She served in several key positions at GlaxoSmithKline Glaxo Wellcome Inc, USA, Glaxo Wellcome, UK and the Wellcome Foundation, UK. Dr Bray has extensive network of collaborations with pharmaceutical companies, governments, and non-government organizations in key developed and emerging markets and is is the European Commission's Scientific Expert since 2003. She acts as a business advisor to multiple biotechnology companies. In addition to her industrial activities she served as a Member of the Scientific Staff and the Head of Scientific Business Development of The Medical Research Council Clinical Trials Unit in the UK, currently holds an honorary Senior Lecturer position at the Royal Free School of Medicine, University of London and serves as a reviewer for a number of scientific journals.

Industrial positions: 1993present

ImmunoClin Corporation: Director, President and CEO since December 2013: Brand development and leadership to formulate and implement strategic plan to establish IMMUNOCLIN CORPORATION (IMCL) as a leader in personalised medicine approach providing solutions to challenges in delivering patient focussed care. Cannabis Science, Inc.: Head of Scientific Advisory Board since November 2014 (acted as Director, President and CEOfrom May 2013May 2015): Strategic consulting, including business plan and clinical development for Company’s products, CANNABIS SCIENCE works with leading experts in drug development to develop, produce, and commercialize novel therapeutic approaches using cannabis based products with the initial focus is on the skin cancers and neurological conditions. Omnicanna Health Solutions, Inc: Board Director: May 2013present (President and CEO from May 2013May 2015): With the aid of scientific research, OMNICANNA Health Solutions is developing effective cannabinoid formulation-based health and wellness solutions as well as cosmeceutical, nutraceutical, and food brands.ImmunoClin Ltd: Director: 2002present (business owner till December 2013).

Working to development personalized medicine and nutrition platform to develop novel solutions to manage ageing society. ImmunoClin's portfolio includes prognostic markers for cardiovascular and Alzheimer's diseases, novel broad-spectrum anti-infectious therapy and innovative e-biosensor to detect bacteria, viruses and small molecules. Based upon its R&D in nutrigenomics ImmunoClin is developing novel nutritional products to combat inflammatory conditions.

GlaxoSmithKline: 1993–2002: Directed large international clinical research programme in collaboration with multiple academic and commercial organizations to develop new interventions in infectious diseases including HIV Director, Clinical Development HIV, with global responsibility, GlaxoSmithKline, UK: 1998–2002 Senior Medical Strategy Head, Glaxo Wellcome, Inc: 1997–1999 Principal Clinical Research Scientist, Antivirals, Glaxo Wellcome, UK and USA: 1995–1997 Senior Clinical Research Scientist, The Wellcome Foundation, UK: 1993–1995.

Academic Research: 1979present

Honorary Senior Lecturer, Royal Free and University College Medical School: 2002present: Application of clinical immunology in development of pharmaceutical interventions in the area of infectious diseases Head, Scientific Business Development, The Medical Research Council Clinical Trials Unit: 2004–2011 Research Fellow, Clinical Immunology, Royal Free Hospital Medical School, UK: 1990–1993, Research on the role of immune system in lung pathology Royal Society Visiting Scientist, Universite de Paris-Sud, Biochimie-Biophysique, France: 1989–1990 Research Fellow, Med. Parasitology, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, UK: 1983–1989 Research Fellow, School of Pharmacy, University of London, UK: 1982–1983 Research Assistant, ARC Institute of Animal Physiology, Babraham, Cambridge, UK: 1981–1982 Research Fellow, Polish Academy of Sciences Institute of Pharmacology, Cracow, Poland: 1979–1981.

Awards/Scholarships:

  • EEC training in Neurobiology, Strasbourg, France
  • PhD scholarship from The School of Pharmacy, University of London
  • Winston Churchill Travelling Fellowship to study medicinal plants in Africa
  • Sir Halley Stewart Trust Fellowship to study natural products
  • The Royal Society scholarship to study immunology in Paris

Education:

  • PhD degree from the School of Pharmacy, University of London: 1988
  • MSc (1st Class) in Biology, The Jagiellonian University of Cracow, Poland: 1979

Lectures and workshops on our seminars

2017 Clinical studies with cannabis and cannabinoids Abstract
2017 Clinical studies with cannabis and cannabinoids Workshop
2019 Clinical studies with cannabis and cannabinoids Abstract

Guillermo VelascoDíez, PhD

biologist, biochemist, researcher

  • Deparment of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology I, School of Biology, Complutense University
  • Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria del Hospital Clínico San Carlos (IdISSC), 28040-Madrid. Spain

Guillermo Velasco was born in Madrid, studied Biology and obtained his PhD degree (1997) at the School of Biology of the Complutense University, Madrid, Spain. After defending his PhD, he got an EMBO long-term fellowship to work in Philip Cohen’s laboratory at the MRC Protein Phosphorylation Unit (Dundee, Scotland) on a project aimed at studying the regulation and of the Rho-activated protein kinase (ROCK).

On the year 1999 he got a position as Assistant Teacher at the School of Chemistry of the Complutense University and since the year 2003 he is Associated professor of the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology I.

On the year 2001 he started a line of research aimed at investigating the mechanisms underlying cannabinoid antitumoral action as well as at optimizing the potential clinical utilization of these agents in cancer therapies.

Different lines of research in his group are currently investigating the role of endoplasmic reticulum stress, autophagy, apoptosis, intracellular trafficking of ceramide and regulation of mTORC1 and mTORC2 in cannabinoid antitumoral action as well as the participation of growth factor receptor-activated pathways in the resistance to the antineoplasic actions of cannabinoids.

Lectures and workshops on our seminars

2017 Towards the utilization of cannabinoids as anticancer agents Abstract
2017 Towards the utilization of cannabinoids as anticancer agents Workshop
2019 Towards the use of cannabinoids as anti-cancer agents Abstract

PaulHornby, PhD

zoologist, biochemist, pathologist, researcher

  • President Hedron Analytical Inc., Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada

Paul Hornby has a B.SC. degree in zoology, a M.SC. degree in biochemistry and a PhD in human pathology.

He was the founder and president of Hedron Analytical Inc., a small company providing chemical analyses of herbal preparations. He has been granted authority by Health Canada for a laboratory that can legally analyze cannabis for it’s cannabinoid profile and chemical content.

He is the author of numerous studies and articles relating to cannabis (hemp, chemical composition, method of extraction of active cannabinoids).

Read in Wikipedia

Lectures and workshops on our seminars

2014 The three way split between the genetics of cannabis and the ratios of THC and CBD Abstract
2015 The “ABC of CBD” or the importance of cannabidiol Abstract
2015 Decarboxilation and standarization info
2017 Cannabis Renaissance: A Revolution in Modern Medicine Abstract
2017 Cannabis Renaissance: A Revolution in Modern Medicine Workshop
2019 Exploiting the Benefits of Cannabis Abstract

TamaraLah Turnšek, PhD

biochemist, researcher

  • National Institute of Biology, Ljubljana

Rojena v Ljubljani, je leta 1983 doktorirala iz biokemije na Univerzi v Ljubljani. Od leta 1996–2018 je bila direktorica Nacionalnega inštituta za biologijo, na katerem je ustanovila  Oddelek za genetsko toksikologijo in biologijo raka, ki ga je vodila do leta 2004, zdaj pa je vodja raziskovalnega programa tega oddelka. Od 2004 je redna profesorica in poučuje biokemijo raka na do in  po-diplomskem študiju biomedicine na UL. Svoj akademsko pot je začela na Oddelku za biokemijo in molekularno biologijo na Inštitutu Jožef Stefan, z  vmesnimi prekinitvam, ko je delovala Pediatrični kliniki UKC, na podoktorskem izpopolnjevanju na Wayne State University v Michiganu in kasneje tudi kot gostujoča profesorica v Albert Einstein MC v Philadelphiji ZDA ter gostujoča profesorica na Univerzi Sao Paolo v Brazilij.

Področje dela Tamare Lah Turnšek obsega dokaj velik opus, in sega od področja encimatilke in proteoiznih encimov ter biološke in molekularne raziskave rakavih obolenj, kjer je bila vedno tesno povezana z biomedicinskini  oz. s kliničnini raziskavami. V zadnjem času so osredotoča na raziskave rakavih matičnih celic in na raziskave  mezenhimskih matičnih celic v kontekstu  zdravljenja raka. Pri tem je v svojem delu spremljala tudi vpliv naravnih spojin, kot je ksantohumol, resveratrol in v zadnjem obdobju predvsem konoplja oziroma kanabinoidi kot protirakave učinkovine.

Lectures and workshops on our seminars

2019 Cannabis and cancer Abstract

Robert J.Melamede, PhD

molecular biologist, biochemist, researcher

  • Associate Professor and Biology Chairman UCCS (Retired)
  • CEO and President Cannabis Science (Retired)
  • Program Director Phoenix Tears, (Denver CO)
  • Executive Director Masada (Kingston, Jamaica)
  • Science Advisor, Spannabis (Columbia SA)
  • Science Advisor Phoenix Tears (Thailand)

Dr. Robert Melamede has a Ph.D. in Molecular Biology and Biochemistry from the City University of New York. Dr. Melamede is recognized as a leading authority on the therapeutic uses of cannabis, and has authored or co-authored dozens of papers on a wide variety of scientific subjects.

Member of several scientific boards (International Association for Cannabis as Medicine, the Scientific Advisory Board of Americans for Safe Access, Sensible Colorado, Scientific Advisor for Cannabis Therapeutics).

www.drbobscannabisawakeningfoundation.com

Lectures and workshops on our seminars

2014 Cannabinoid system – physics of life and its social impact Abstract
2015 Life, Evolution, Endocannabinoids, and the Survival of Homo sapiens Abstract
2015 Evolution, Adaptability and Cannabinoids info
2017 The CB1 Receptor and the Evolution of Humanity, Past, Present and Future Abstract
2017 The CB1 Receptor and the Evolution of Humanity, Past, Present and Future Workshop
2019 What if? Lecture

DušanNolimal, MD, MSPH

medical doctor, public health specialist, researcher

  • National Institute of Public Health
  • ICANNA – The International institute for Cannabinoids
  • National Coordinator for drugs in the WHO
  • Former Representative of Slovenia at the Pompidou Group (PG), Council of Europe

Finished medical school at University of Ljubljana School of Medicine, Ljubljana, Slovenia, in 1981 and earning a Master’s in Science of Public Health at University of Zagreb School of Medicine in 1987. He subspecialised in addiction medicine at Colorado University Health Science Centre, Addiction Research and Treatment Services, Denver, Colorado, USA and at National Institute on Drug Abuse, Addiction Research Centre, Baltimore, Maryland, USA in 1986–1990. As the Permanent Correspondent of Slovenia in The Pompidou Group ( Council of Europe) and the World Health Organization’s Slovenian National Coordinator for Drug Problems he contributed considerably to European drug policies and research by promoting the evidence base of policy and addressing ethical and human rights aspects. He was involved in developing and passing state legislation on drug prevention and treatment of addictions. As a member of the EU Science Group of European Alcohol and Health forum he provides scientific advice and guidance on matters of alcohol-related harms and developing and maintaining a common evidence base at EU level. He was National Expert Consultant for The Mobilizing Entrprises and Workers to Prevent substance Abuse in CEE Project (ILO, 1996–1999). His current work has spanned a diverse range of topics, including stress, psychosocial risks and mobbing addictions in alcohol and other drugs, health and social care for vulnerable populations, ethical and human rights aspects of public health, promotion mental health and patients’ rights, including use of cannabis as a medicine . His research focuses on social, economic, political, environmental and human rights determinants of public health conditions, in particularly the determinants of psychosocial health and social responsibility at workplaces. Also, he is also dedicated coworker of the International Institute for Cannabinoids (ICANNA) http://www.institut-icanna.com/, which is a non-profit NGO, which was formed by the collaboration of partners from Slovenia, Germany and Austria. The purpose of the institute is a multi-national cooperation in the field of cannabinoid research. The institute engages in scientific research and educational activities and discussions in the field of medical cannabis. The Institute achieves its goals through the implementation of research, development, analysis, education, training, counseling, monitoring, publishing, informing, raising awareness, proposing expert opinions or standpoints, offering expert advice and similar. The institute carries out its own projects as well as projects on behalf of others. Dr. Nolimal is the author and/or co-author of more than 300 scientific articles, books, editor or co-editor of different publications in the field of public health (social medicine) in Slovenia. He often speaks nationally on the sensitive public health topic and social responsibility is frequently quoted in the media.

Lectures and workshops on our seminars

2014 Linking research in public health with policy and practice: The Cannabis Case Abstract
2014 Linking Research in Public Health with Policy and Practice: Moving Slovenian Official Policy Toward Cannabis from Deadlock Abstract
2015 Science, ethics and politics in classifying the dangers of drugs Abstract
2017 Human rights, public health and medical cannabis Abstract
2017 Human rights, public health and medical cannabis Workshop
2019 Cannabis, Mental Health and Prohibition: a critical review of the relationship Lecture

IlyaReznik, MD

neuropsychiatrist

  • Board-certified specialist in Adult Forensic & Clinical NeuroPsychiatry at MaReNa Diagnostic and Consulting Center, Israel

Dr. Ilya Reznik has superior educational and professional record and documented contributions to the field of neuropsychiatric research, such as publications and other innovative activities.

Dr. Reznik has published many original papers (including controlled trials), reviews and case reports in leading peer-reviewed journals in field of clinical psychiatry and neuropsychopharmacology. His current main interest is in the field of the medical use of cannabis and cannabinoids, especially for various neuropsychiatric illnesses, such as Chronic Pain Syndrome, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), OCD, Tourette syndrome, Parkinson’s and Alzheimer diseases etc.

During last 6 years he coordinates the activity of Israel National Forum/Association for Medical Cannabis Research & Treatment. He is Associate Member of The Canadian Consortium for the Investigation of Cannabinoids (CCIC), Member of International Cannabinoid Research Society (ICRS). In 2013 he was elected to Board of Directors, International Association for Cannabinoid Medicines (IACM) and promotes educational and international activity within IACM.

Lectures and workshops on our seminars

2015 Practical issues on using the Cannabis as a Medical substance Abstract
2015 Practical issues on using the Cannabis info
2019 “To be, or not to be, that is the question”. Shared decision-making for cannabis medicines Abstract

InbalSikorin, RN

clinical nursing

  • NiaMedic, Chief Nursing Officer

Matron Inbal Sikorin is the Co-Founder and Chief Nursing Officer of NiaMedic. Prior to co-founding NiaMedic, Inbal was the Head Nurse of "Hadarim" nursing home at Kibbutz Na'an. There, Inbal founded a groundbreaking Medical Cannabis program for the elderly. For almost a decade, Inbal has been a world renown pioneer and expert in the Medical Cannabis field, treating and counseling thousands of patients over the years, with a special focus on exceptional treatment methods, developing treatment protocols and data analyses. Additionally, Inbal helped develop a Palliative Care Course for medical staff - a rich and comprehensive curriculum that has changed the world view of patient care and Medical Cannabis as a treatment option in nursing homes.

Lectures and workshops on our seminars

2019 Geriatric medicine and medical cannabis Abstract

Roman Štukelj, PhD

asistant, researcher

  • Laboratory of Clinical Biophysics, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Ljubljana

Roman Štukelj is a member of the Laboratory of Clinical Biophysics, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Ljubljana and an associate member of the Laboratory of Clinical Biophysics. The scope of his work includes properties of cell and phospholipid membranes with special emphasis on small (anisotropic) structures such as extracellular vesicles and nanotubes. Assessment of the concentration of extracellular vesicles in the isolates from peripheral blood underlays diagnostic methods for different widespread diseases (e.g. cancer, autoimmune disorders, neurodegenerative diseases), which may supplement or replace invasive procedures (e. g. biopsies), and estimate the risk for cardiovascular diseases.

His interest in cannabis started when he recognized its potential therapeutic benefits, by studying the literature. He is studying influence of different cannabinoids on the cell membrane and linking it with knowledge on mechanisms of formation and manipulation of extracellular vesicles. Also he published articles related to cannabis and the endocannabinoid system, nutrition and healthy lifestyle. He is attending professional meetings and conferences at home and abroad.

Lectures and workshops on our seminars

2019 Cannabis as an essential food and its versatility Abstract