The Académie du Cannabis Thérapeutique offers free training for French healthcare professionals

The British government recently legalized medical cannabis by prescription. This is available since November 1, in theory, but in practice it remains very difficult to access. One reason for this is doctors’ reluctance to prescribe it, due to a lack of information and because it exposes them to personal liability. The Academy of Medical Cannabis was established in the United Kingdom—and has since expanded to France—with the goal of educating healthcare professionals about medical cannabis. It consists of an e-learning platform which offers free training for healthcare professionals (a mobile app will be available soon).

Educating Doctors

The Academy began operations on November 1 in the United Kingdom, primarily in response to concerns about the training gap among professionals. At least one million people could benefit from the medical cannabis in the UK But legalization has been met with a certain degree of resistance, as the stigma surrounding cannabis persists and a lack of information discourages doctors from prescribing it. The platform’s slogan is: «Educating doctors for a healthier world.».

The academy emphasizes doctors« duty to provide their patients with information about cannabis as a treatment option, with a focus on support and service: »If you are a doctor, you have a DUTY to understand how cannabis works as a medication. A change in legislation regarding medical cannabis will lead to an increase in the number of patients (…) asking about how it works.” It offers a dozen interactive modules with animations and quizzes lasting between 2 and 15 minutes on the following topics:

• Introduction & History of Cannabis
• Phytocannabinoids
• Endocannabinoid system
• How to Take It
• Medical Uses – Neurological Indications
• Medical Uses – Mental Health
• Medical Uses – Other Important Symptomatic Indications
• Side Effects – Short-Term
• Side Effects – Long-Term
• Drug Interactions
• Dosage and Prescription
• The United Kingdom's stance on regulation

These modules were developed by experts in the field, including Professor Mike Barnes and Dr. Edmund, both specialists in neurological rehabilitation and European experts on medical cannabis. Certain government health organizations, such as the Royal College of Physicians and the National Institute for Health and Care, also aim to support and train practitioners in these new practices. The Academy, on the other hand, is a private initiative supported by the industry.

Until cannabis is incorporated into medical school curricula, professionals can already learn more online through a platform created by and for doctors.