The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, a world leader in cannabis research and development, is launching a 13-session medical cannabis course to better educate doctors, nurses, pharmacists and other medical professionals about new cannabinoid treatments, practices, and the latest research.

The Hebrew University Multidisciplinary Center for Cannabinoid Research (HU-MCCR) includes Professor Raphael Mechoulam, known as the “Father of Cannabis Research“, for his significant discoveries in this field over the past 55 years. Other MCCR experts include Professor Yossi Tam and Hadassah Medical Center’s Professor Yakir Rottenberg. 

“The importance of medical cannabis education is undisputed,” says Professor Tam, director of the MCCR. “As cannabis is becoming legalised in an increasing number of countries, it is more important than ever for doctors to understand this drug, its myriad uses, its benefits, and its current shortcomings.”

“Our course reflects the expertise and extensive knowledge at the university. Medical practitioners will be able to learn from our leading cannabis researchers, gaining the knowledge to treat and advise with confidence.”

Doctors need greater access to knowledge about the drug, and this course aims to educate health professionals about the therapeutic role of medical cannabis in patient health. 

Cannabis has many medical uses, from treating adults with chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting to treating chronic pain and multiple sclerosis (MS)-related spasticity.

As more countries legalise medical cannabis, educating physicians who play a major role in implementing policies is becoming more important.

Harvard University found a disconnect between patients wanting to learn about medical marijuana and doctors being overly dismissive of the treatment opportunities.

As a result, doctors are now playing catch-up and trying to gain more knowledge about medical cannabis treatments. Researchers at the MCCR created the virtual medical cannabis series to help disseminate information and dispose of stigmas associated with their field. 

Developed by MCCR experts and produced by HU’s Tech Transfer Company, Yissum, the virtual course will be distributed in English and Spanish for a global audience.

The semester-long course includes 13 online curriculum segments covering the medical history of cannabis, treatments, drug safety, research breakthroughs, medicinal uses, and practices to provide a thorough education for medical professionals about the therapeutic use of cannabis.

“This course will propel the advancement of medicinal cannabis and its usage, offering patients and doctors the benefits of cannabis treatments. Yissum is proud of this project and looks forward to the course’s inevitable growth,” says Dr Itzik Goldwaser, CEO of Yissum.