Presented by:
Dr. Sanjeev Goel
Chief Medical Officer, PureSinse
Over the last year, the conversation around cannabis in Canada has focused primarily on recreational legalization. But at the same time, medical cannabis has continued its evolution into an important treatment option for both physicians and their patients. Cannabis is increasingly being regarded as a legitimate treatment channel, to the point where, according to Benefits Canada, a growing number of private payers and plan sponsors are integrating medical cannabis coverage into their benefits plans.
“Cannabis has definitely become more sophisticated in terms of the advice we are able to provide to patients,” says Dr. Sanjeev Goel, Chief Medical Officer at PureSinse, a licensed producer that supports patients and clinicians across Canada with medical cannabis. “These days, physicians have a much greater ability to tailor individual therapies based on strains, dosage, and even delivery method.”
One thing is certain: medical cannabis is shaking up the pharmaceutical world.
Comprehensive treatments, happier patients
The ones who benefit most from this evolving industry are the thousands of patients who have seen their day-to-day lives improve after being prescribed a medical cannabis treatment plan. And when patients benefit, so do the doctors who work tirelessly to help them manage chronic pain, deal with serious conditions, and confront life-changing issues.
“I have a lot of patients with chronic pain and problems with depression in my practice, and it was about three years ago when I started hearing that medical cannabis was really making a difference,” says Dr. Goel. “I tested it out by writing prescriptions for willing patients and quickly discovered that it significantly helped many of them. It was quite rewarding for my patients and made me very happy.”
Not only are these firms driving medical cannabis forward through innovation, they’re also dedicated to empowering doctors and patients through knowledge.
The increased sophistication and efficacy of cannabis therapies are due, in large part, to trailblazers like Dr. Goel and his medical team at PureSinse. They’re one of many licensed producers who have dedicated considerable time and resources to the research and development necessary to guide cannabis’ evolution into an important, effective, and reliable treatment option. Not only are these firms driving medical cannabis forward through innovation, they’re also dedicated to empowering doctors and patients through knowledge, thereby increasing their familiarity with medical cannabis therapies.
A future built on cooperation
This sustained collaboration between cannabis producers and the medical community is absolutely crucial. Through comprehensive cooperation with the cannabis industry, doctors can increase their comfort levels with medical cannabis and better understand how to incorporate it into their practices and better serve their patients.
Pain management is one of the most common uses for medical cannabis today, and its ability to replace opioid-based therapies — such as Tylenol 3 and Percocet — where appropriate, is one of its many benefits. In many cases, opioids can have severe side effects, and carry the risk of potential dependence.
As the body of medical evidence grows, doctors are becoming more comfortable prescribing cannabis therapies to the patients who are requesting them.
Dr. Sanjeev Goel, PureSince Chief Medical Officer
Cannabis can also take the place of certain over-the-counter medications, such as Advil or Aleve, in cases where kidney problems or ulcer issues preclude their use. Even though more evidence-based research is necessary, one thing is certain: medical cannabis is shaking up the pharmaceutical world.
Of particular interest to the medical community are strains heavy in cannabidiol (CBD). Unlike THC, the other primary cannabinoid found in cannabis, CBD does not get you “high.” This has led to product developments that allow physicians to leverage the medicinal properties of cannabis without the storied side effects.
Furthermore, cannabis has proven effective at easing nerve pain, including pain caused by multiple sclerosis. Patients have been effusive about cannabis’ ability to reduce the tremors caused by Parkinson’s disease. It has also shown potential as a treatment option for a variety of other diseases, from Crohn’s to PTSD.
“As more research comes online, we’re seeing that cannabis is being used successfully to improve patients’ quality of life,” says Dr. Goel. “And as the body of medical evidence grows, doctors are becoming more comfortable prescribing cannabis therapies to the patients who are requesting them.”
Curious about cannabis? Looking for next steps?
Patients: Talk to your doctor or visit SPARK Cannabis Clinic.
Doctors: Visit the Clinical Cannabinoid Education Network to join Canada’s fastest-growing network of cannabis-conscious practitioners.
We’re committed to your health and wellness. For more info, visit PureSinse or Spark Cannabis.
