Medical Cannabis Researcher to Discuss Pain Management on Maui

Medical cannabis researcher and author, Michael Backes returns to Maui for another Lunch & Learn presentation Saturday, Aug. 25, 2018 at the Leis Family Class Act Restaurant

Medical cannabis researcher, Michael Backes returns to UHMC on Saturday, Aug. 25, 2018 to explore medical cannabis and chronic pain.

Backes, who is also the author of Cannabis Pharmacy, and member of Maui Grown Therapies Science & Medical Advisory Board, will share the latest research on cannabinoids in pain management and how medical cannabis, under a physician’s supervision, may provide an adjunct or alternative to prescription opiates in the treatment of pain.

The $20 event fee includes class materials and a hot buffet lunch at the Leis Family Class Act Restaurant. Seating is limited and tckets are available at www.cannabisforpain.eventbrite.com.

According to Backes, pain is the most common condition for which physicians recommend cannabis and for which patients report using it. According to the Hawaiʻi Department of Health, 65% of the state’s registered patients use cannabis therapy to manage pain.

“Cannabis is often effective for providing relief or distraction from several common types of severe pain including complex regional pain, neuropathies, intractable cancer pain, and more,” said Mr. Backes. “What many people don’t know is that studies have shown that higher-dose inhaled cannabis often offers no more pain relief than lower doses. In fact higher doses may result in increased pain. One of the topics I will cover is how patients can find their own optimal dose to manage pain.”

“Because chronic pain treatment often involves the use of prescription opiates, I will also discuss how medical cannabis may also be used to reduce the likelihood of opioid dependency and perhaps even some of the symptoms associated with coming off opiates. Cannabis medicines have been considered to be “opioid-sparing” since the Civil War, since cannabis treatments can often reduce the amount of opiates needed to effectively treat pain.”

Michael Backes is the author of Cannabis Pharmacy: The Practical Guide to Medical Marijuana, and he founded Cornerstone Research Collective, the nation’s first evidence-based medical cannabis dispensary. He currently serves as Curriculum and Training advisor for Maui Grown Therapies in Kahului, and is a member of their Science & Medical Advisory Board. He is also a member of the International Association for Cannabinoid Medicines, and has served on the American Herbal Products Association’s Cannabis Committee. Mr. Backes specializes in cannabis science and policy issues through his Southern California consultancy with clients throughout the United States.