Jonathan Grunfeld
Asaf HaRofeh Medical Center, affiliated with the Tel-Aviv School of Medicine, Israel
Title: Obstacles to the Integration of Cannabis Based Treatments into Standard Medicine
Biography
Biography: Jonathan Grunfeld
Abstract
Cannabis has been serving humanity in the management of health related adversities for millennia. However, in the course of the twentieth century it has fallen into disrepute and been formally banished from the realm of legitimate healthcare. It appears that this state of affair is changing one again, with interest growing in the development of cannabis based therapies for multiple indications.
For the present, a prominent gap exists between reliable anecdotal observations of exceptional clinical success and the lack of knowledge on cannabis based clinical applications that complies with standards of modern medical practice.
It is proposed that analysis of the current failure to develop the therapeutic potential of cannabis suggested by the sporadic reports of success could contribute substantially to the exploitation of this potential. Pertinent cases studies will be presented and reviewed with regard to current approaches to the clinical research of cannabis based preparations. These incluse apparent response of neoplasms to highly concentrated cannabis extracts as well as a case of rheumatoid arthritis. Subsequently, insights will be sought regarding necessary measures to promote the study of medical uses of cannabis, as well as obstacles hindering the acceptance and implementation of such uses. An outline of policies derived from this analysis will be drawn and considered for feasibility.