Ep. 5: Cannabis as a Therapeutic with Dr. Scott Halpern of UPenn

Cannabis Unraveled

In this episode, we focus on the latest developments in the world of medicinal cannabis, including the recent recommendation by the Department of Health and Human Services to reclassify cannabis as a schedule three compound. Joining us is Dr. Scott Halpern, the distinguished John M. Eisenberg Professor of Medicine, Epidemiology, and Medical Ethics and Health Policy at the University of Pennsylvania, and the founding director of the Palliative and Advanced Illness Research (PAIR) Center. Dr. Halpern and host Jessie Kater explore the potential benefits of medical cannabis in palliative care, emphasizing the critical need for an evidence-based approach to guide its usage in symptom management and patient care. They also discuss the pivotal role of academic institutions and medical professionals in shaping the future of cannabis research, underscoring the importance of rigorous scientific investigation.

**The information, opinions, and views expressed in this podcast are those of Mr. Kater and his guests only and may not reflect the views of Curaleaf or its employees. The material and information presented here is for general information purposes only. Curaleaf does not endorse or recommend any particular product or service discussed, including products containing cannabinoids. Products discussed in this podcast may not be available to all listeners depending upon the residence state of the listener, the listener’s age, etc. Any products discussed in this podcast are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

Topics of Discussion:

[3:29] How Scott got interested in palliative care.

[4:44] Jessie discusses going to North Carolina to educate members of the North Caroline House on cannabis.

[8:35] More about the study on the benefits of medical cannabis in which Scott is a principal investigator.

[13:32] How natural remedies compare and fit in with pharmaceuticals.

[18:15] The challenge of reconciling widespread real-world anecdotes about cannabis's therapeutic benefits with the scientific rigor required to establish its safety and efficacy.

[23:41] Two approaches to measuring cannabis use in the real world.

[31:08] Prescription based cannabinoids.

[35:07] The future of the industry partnering with medical professionals to do the scientific and clinical work to bring in that higher level of evidence.

[35:34] The need for clarity and transparency of medical professionals when advising their patients to use cannabis.

Want to Learn More?

Cannabis Unraveled: Instagram

Dr. Scott Halpern

Quotes:

• “It’s very clear to me that medical cannabis is increasingly a commonly used and often clinician recommended piece of the palliative care puzzle.” - [7:23] - Scott
• “My role in this really is to elevate the quality of the science around medical cannabis, so that patients, family members and clinicians can make more informed decisions.” - [8:29] - Scott