Is Marijuana Good Medicine?

Understanding the Link between Medical Cannabis and the Endocannabinoid System The endocannabinoid system (ECS) is a biochemical communication system in the human body that plays a crucial role in regulating our physiology, mood, and everyday experience, and exist naturally within all mammals. Because of the ECS role in fundamental processes, it is being targeted for its therapeutic potential by researchers, and cannabis (the marijuana plant) is one tool often used to do this. Cannabinoids are chemical compounds that trigger receptors within this system. Some types of cannabinoid triggers are created by your body as part of the ECS. More than 100 cannabinoids have been identified in the marijuana plant. And, of course, synthetic cannabinoids have been created by pharmaceutical researchers.  This talk will explore: The endocannabinoid system as a whole How cannabis and certain cannabis compounds (such as CBD and THC) interact with this system Regulatory and public health issues surrounding over-the-counter CBD Virginia’s medical marijuana program of which patients should be aware About the Presenter Mohammed Mustafa is the lab manager of an academic research lab and a graduate student studying pharmacology and toxicology, with a focus on ECS research. He serves as an independent community advocate on behalf of the non-profit advocacy group, Safe Access Virginia, a local chapter of the national organization Americans for Safe Access. As a pharmacologist in a behavioral lab working on cannabinoids, Mohammed sees his role as an advocate to help making sure patients have information backed by science to discuss with their doctors when they’re considering using cannabis to treat pain, anxiety, and other conditions. He has presented at local and international cannabinoid science conferences and co-authored several peer-reviewed publications with prominent cannabinoid scientists such as Raphael Mechoulam (the scientist who discovered THC, elucidated the structure of CBD, and helped discover the endocannabinoid system). Dates and Times Tuesday, May 21, 2019Midday from 12:00 to 1:00 pmEvening from 6:00 to 7:00 pm Location PartnerMD Richmond7001 Forest AvenueSuite 110Richmond, VA 23230 Suite 110 is located on the ground floor of our building. Look for signage in the lobby to help you find your way.