What benefits do you see for patients throughout Florida within this space?
The history of medicine is littered with anecdotes detailing the usefulness of medical cannabis for the treatment of patients. It was a commonplace medication prescribed by physicians for a vast array of ailments. In the early 1900s cannabis was finally banned in the United States. In the late 1900s, the endocannabinoid system was discovered and the interest in medical cannabis resurged. Unfortunately, people still associate a stigma when discussing cannabis. We are seeing more and more studies that are proving the efficacy of medical cannabis as a treatment alternative to opioids and anxiolytics. These opioids and anxiolytics can oftentimes lead to drug addiction, overdose, and death. The horrors of the national opioid epidemic continue to ravage the lives of patients and their loved ones across the nation. Fortunately, recent medical and scientific advancements into cannabis and the endocannabinoid system have thrust medical marijuana to the forefront of homeopathic treatment. Medical cannabis provides a safe, all natural treatment option.
What motivates you to be a part of the cannabis Industry?
Despite those still clinging to the antiquated “Reefer Madness” ideology, my practice, Atlantic Coast Cannabis, MD., relies on the most current medical and scientific evidence, as well as first-hand patient testimonials, that clearly demonstrate the efficacy of medical cannabis for a vast array of illnesses. I believe that medical cannabis is a natural and holistic medication for the treatment of many health conditions. I believe it is a better alternative to the “pills” that the pharmaceutical companies are supporting. We know that as patients become more informed about medical marijuana, they will appreciate its value in medicine.
What field are you in within the cannabis space?
I am a medical cannabis physician and owner at Atlantic Coast Cannabis MD in Edgewater. I became certified to qualify patients for their medical cannabis cards in 2018. I am a board-certified Anesthesiologist and thus have been using “chemical” means to treat pain in a controlled environment for more than 30 years. But I always knew there was something more for me to do as a physician.
How can people in Florida benefit from the company you represent?
I believe my 30+ years in Anesthesiology gives me an advantage in making recommendations for medical cannabis patients. Anesthesiologists use the titration method of medication administration in their routine approach to treating patients. Titration is the process of determining the medication dosage that reduces one’s symptoms to the greatest possible degree while avoiding as many side effects as possible. With medical cannabis, patients get to titrate their own medication and they will continue to do this over the course of their treatment. Patient controlled medication administration is not new to anesthesiologists. Because of this, I feel qualified to participate, treat and qualify patients for medical cannabis in the state of Florida. I do this through extensive education of my patients and continued support and education after they have qualified for their card.
How did you get started within the cannabis industry?
In the late 1980’s I chose the field of Anesthesiology due to a strong desire to help patients suffering with all types of pain. After many years as a successful Anesthesiologist, I knew there was something more that I could do to help ease the pain and suffering of patients. When Florida legalized medical cannabis for a broad range of illnesses in 2016, I became intrigued and wanted to become part of this holistic treatment. I felt like this was a natural transition for me, to further my desire to help patients who are suffering from a variety of ailments. My own mother was a chronic pain patient and I knew that I needed to be part of the solution. This desire inspired me to begin researching medical cannabis and to become a qualified medical cannabis provider. In 2018, I became certified to qualify patients and in 2019, I opened my practice. I started part time for 2 years and as of July 2021, I was able to transition to a full-time job. I truly feel blessed to be able to work my passion.
Do you see Florida moving forward with recreational Marijuana/cannabis and how will that affect your business?
I do believe at some point this wonderful plant will be made available to all people on a legal basis. For some people, this will be all that they need. For the vast majority of patients, I believe that they will want to continue to be in the medical programs due to the education that they receive from physicians and the access to discounts and support that we are able to provide them. Our evaluations are comprehensive and include education about the different types of plant-based medications, the different routes of administration, how it can be beneficial, dispensary instructions and the requirements of the state of Florida for having a medical card. We are also a participating member in an online peer-to-peer portal for medical professionals to share HIPAA protected info to improve the future of medical marijuana treatments. Through this portal, we are able to evaluate current patient treatments and efficacies and use this info to better treat our patients.
