JERUSALEM –
The Hebrew University of Jerusalem (HU), a world leader in cannabis research and development, is launching a 13-session medical cannabis course to better educate doctors, nurses, pharmacists and other medical professionals about new cannabinoid treatments, practices, and the latest research.
The Hebrew University Multidisciplinary Center for Cannabinoid Research (HU-MCCR) includes Prof. Raphael Mechoulam, known as the “Father of Cannabis Research” for his significant discoveries in this field over the past 55 years. Other MCCR experts include Prof. Yossi Tam, and Hadassah Medical Center’s Prof. Yakir Rottenberg.
“The importance of medical cannabis education is undisputed,” says Prof. Tam, director of the MCCR. “As cannabis is becoming legalized in an increasing number of countries, it is more important than ever for doctors to understand this drug, its myriad uses, its benefits, as well as its current shortcomings. Our course reflects the expertise and extensive knowledge at the university. Medical practitioners will be able to learn from our leading cannabis researchers, gaining the knowledge to treat and advise with confidence.”
Doctors need greater access to knowledge about the drug, and this course aims to educate health professionals about the therapeutic role of medical cannabis in patient health. Cannabis has many medical uses from treating adults with chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting to treating chronic pain and treating adults with multiple sclerosis (MS)-related spasticity.
As an increasing number of countries legalize the use of medical cannabis, it is becoming more important to educate physicians who play a major role in implementing policies. Harvard University found a disconnect between patients wanting to learn about medical marijuana and doctors being overly dismissive of the treatment opportunities. As a result, doctors are now playing catch-up and trying to gain more knowledge about medical cannabis treatments. Researchers at the MCCR created the virtual medical cannabis series to help disseminate information and dispose of stigmas associated in their field.
Developed by MCCR experts and produced by HU’s Tech Transfer Company, Yissum, the virtual course will be distributed in English and Spanish for a global audience. The semester-long course includes 13 online curriculum segments covering the medical history of cannabis, treatments, drug safety, research breakthroughs, medicinal uses, and practices, with the aim of providing a thorough education for medical professionals about the therapeutic use of cannabis. . “This course will propel the advancement of medicinal cannabis and its usage, offering patients and doctors the benefits of cannabis treatments. Yissum is proud of this project and looks forward to the course’s inevitable growth,” says Dr. Itzik Goldwaser, CEO of Yissum.
About Yissum
Yissum is the technology transfer company of The Hebrew University of Jerusalem.
Founded in 1964, it serves as a bridge between cutting-edge academic research and a global community of entrepreneurs, investors, and industry. Yissum’s mission is to benefit society by converting extraordinary innovations and transformational technologies into commercial solutions that address our most urgent global challenges. Yissum has registered over 11,000 patents globally; licensed over 1,140 technologies and has spun out more than 200 companies. Yissum’s business partners span the globe and include companies such as Boston Scientific, ICL, Intel, Johnson & Johnson, Merck, Novartis and many more. For further information please visit www.yissum.co.il.
About the Hebrew University of Jerusalem
The Hebrew University of Jerusalem is Israel’s leading academic and research institution. Serving some 24,000 students from 80 countries, it produces a third of Israel’s civilian research and is ranked 12th worldwide in biotechnology patent filings and commercial development. Faculty and alumni of the Hebrew University have won eight Nobel Prizes and a Fields Medal. For more information about the Hebrew University, please visit http://new.huji.ac.il/en.
About American Friends of the Hebrew University
American Friends of the Hebrew University (AFHU) is a national, not-for-profit organization based in the United States. AFHU is headquartered in New York and has seven regional offices working in close partnership with the Hebrew University of Jerusalem. AFHU provides supporters, Hebrew University alumni, and the public with stimulating programs and events, and organizes missions to Israel. The organization’s activities support scholarly and scientific achievement at HU, create scholarships, fund new facilities, and assist the university’s efforts to recruit outstanding new faculty.
For more information, please visit http://www.afhu.org.
