National Association of Cannabis Pharmacy (NACP) Announces CannaViewpoints, a Video Series
Alexandria, Va., June 25, 2014 – The National Association of Cannabis Pharmacy (NACP) announces the launch of CannaViewpoints, a video series designed to give a voice to industry stakeholders, key opinion leaders, patients and decision-makers on various aspects of cannabis-based medicines.
The video series begins this week with an interview with Perry Fine, MD, a specialist in pain management, professor at the University of Utah and public policy advisor. The interview can be seen on the association’s website at www.nacprx.net.
“CannaViewpoints is an exciting, new feature on our association website that we expect will broaden the understanding of the role cannabis-based medicines can play in our public health system,” Gary M. Cohen, BSPharm, RPh, CSP, NACP Board Member, said. “We are delighted to present our interview with Dr. Fine as the first in our series,” Cohen said.
In the interview, Dr. Fine addresses the topic of rescheduling of cannabis from its current listing as a Schedule I drug to a less restrictive listing. “And so, on a policy side, the first step is to re-evaluate the Controlled Substances Act and the scheduling so we can deconflate those substances which may have a threat and a danger and don’t necessarily have therapeutic benefit and those that have a proven safety profile and have potential for great therapeutic benefit,” Dr. Fine said.
The newly-formed NACP supports scientifically conducted clinical studies as a way to establish safety for cannabis-based products in the burgeoning industry known to the public as “medical marijuana,” or as NACP prefers to say “cannabis-based medicines” or “CBMs.”
Among the statements in the association’s website; “Whereas cannabis is listed in Schedule I of the Controlled Substances Act, the most restrictive classification, we support a reclassification to permit its use by licensed medical professionals and to foster an environment of discovery and clinical research into its medical benefits.”
Currently, most healthcare professionals are not permitted to prescribe or dispense marijuana, even for medical purposes, leaving dispensing of cannabis products to caregivers in the 23 states and the District of Columbia which have enacted laws to legalize its medical use.
“Our goal is to offer a collection of perspectives on CBMs from scientists, researchers, lawmakers and patients in the various therapeutic categories where cannabis-based products are showing promise,” Cohen said.
More information is available online at www.NACPrx.net.
About the National Association of Cannabis Pharmacy
The National Association of Cannabis Pharmacy™ (NACP™), founded in 2014, represents scientists, researchers and healthcare professionals in cannabis practice settings. Our mission is to provide educational programs and professional networking forums to promote the safe and appropriate use of cannabis-based products and medicines. By building collaboration among all organizations involved in cannabis-based medicines, NACP delivers the benefits and services needed to promote the highest standards of care and improved patient outcomes.
Source: National Association of Cannabis Pharmacy (www.NACPrx.net)
Media Contact: Nicole Watkins, [email protected]
