After several years of work and research, the National University of La Plata (UNLP) will define its first postgraduate degree in prescription and medical cannabis research. The new proposal, which will begin in September, will target doctors, veterinarians and dentists. In terms of the study plan, it will address the subject of cannabis from ethical, legal and academic aspects, according to Sail Flores, deputy director of the graduate course and professor at the university.
The training will be responsible for the Faculty of Medical Sciences at UNLP and will have three central axes: the first will be related to the regulatory framework at the national and regional level, on the one hand, and on the other hand, the bioethical principles of cannabis; The second axis concerns the current state of knowledge about the endocannabinoid system, as a further response to existing substitutions; The last axis is related to cannabis research with its experimental designs and the quality of its evidence.
In recent years, the use of hemp oil as a medicinal alternative has had a great vision, and therefore it has been in great demand. In the face of this, the university indicated the need to increase awareness and knowledge about its consumption, as well as diagnosis.
In an interview with the University Extension, Flores explained that the aim of the postgraduate course is to “strengthen and accompany” professionals in expanding their knowledge, to implement an “appropriate” prescription.
“We want professionals to have the necessary tools and sufficient competencies to prescribe cannabis for any disease, but it also seems important to us that this professional is introduced to research,” Flores said.
Another relevant aspect, within the research proposed by the graduate degree, is the possibility of obtaining specific data regarding the type of cannabis that corresponds to each demographic. In connection with this, Flores determined that population research is useful because it reflects characteristics related to, for example, diet, an important factor when referring to a cannabis-containing product.
Despite the great demand for the oil and the long struggle of various maternal organizations seeking to grow cannabis for the subsequent oil production without being penalized, there is also a great lack of information regarding its effects.
In the bidding of interests to legitimize it, there was a lot of relevant information that would help raise awareness about its application in some diseases. In this sense, Al-Moallem said that the implementation of this initiative will help to bring “clarity” to everything related to oil consumption and “bring up” many issues that people oppose, although they are not aware of.
Finally, Flores emphasized that the new proposal did not surprise the educational community, as the topic had been under research for many years within the university.
He concluded, “This is essential as it is another contribution to ensuring safe access to cannabis dilution.”
The graduate program will start in September, its modality will be virtual and will be dictated until July 2022.
