Page 32 - SFHN October 2021 Issue

While Delta-8 CANNABIS
Grows in
Popularity, Federal BUSINESS
Agencies Warn of
DIRECTORY
Health Risks
page 25
page 30

October 2021

2019 Cannabis Business Award’s Publication of the Year

Medical Cannabis and Cancer:

Caution Urged as Studies Continue

BY VANESSA ORR

With the legalization of medical marijuana in a number of
states including Florida, cannabis’ effectiveness in treating
everything from PTSD to epilepsy has gained attention, not just
in the medical community, but from patients hoping that it can
be used to treat other conditions, including cancer. And while
it has been effective in treating some side effects from cancer
treatment, such as nausea and vomiting, as well as for provid-
ing pain relief, helping to stimulate appetite and curb anxiety, Dr. Jeff Konin
there is still much more research to be done to determine if the
drug can work on defeating the disease itself.
To date, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has Florida
not approved cannabis or cannabinoids for use as a cancer
treatment; however, it has approved two cannabinoids, dron- International
abinol and nabilone, for the treatment of nausea and vomiting effective than chemotherapy. Not only are these claims illegal,
caused by chemotherapy in patients who have not responded to but they may also prevent patients from receiving the proper University
antiemetic therapy. treatment for their disease.
According to Jason Humbert, a regulatory operations officer
Buyer Beware in the FDA’s Office of Regulatory Affairs, if a product is market- Announces
Despite the fact that the FDA has not approved any medical ed as a natural cure for cancer or a natural treatment for cancer
cannabis cancer treatment, that has not stopped fraudulent on a website or in social media, unless it has been evaluated by Global Initiative
claims online from companies claiming that their products the FDA, there’s no reason to believe that it is safe or effective
shrink malignant tumors, treat all forms of cancer, or are more Continued on page 29 for Cannabinoid

Research and
Cannabis Spotlight
Education
Durée Ross What field are you in within the
DURÉE & COMPANY cannabis space? BY CAROL NEWMAN
Durée & Company is a full-service market-
What benefits do you see for patients ing and PR company, with a burgeoning Dr. Jeff Konin, a Clinical Professor in
throughout Florida within this space? emerging markets practice. The agency has the Department of Athletic Training in
Florida, although a large market, is still very worked with cannabis, medical marijuana the Nicole Wertheim College of Nursing
young. There is great potential for growth here, but treatment centers (MMTCs), MSOs, hemp and Health Sciences at Florida
there is also a lot of competition. With that said, and CBD brands/products, processing facili- International University (FIU) is spear-
any brand coming to market (or already present in ties, farmers, growers, cannabis cultivators, heading the efforts for the recently
the space) needs a solid strategy for the right prod- labs and more. We understand the industry up established Global Initiative for
uct offerings and relevant ways to engage patients and down the supply chain and work with Cannabinoid Research and Education.
who are becoming increasingly savvy in how they companies to identify goals, key messaging “We are excited to devote a sincere
research, shop and purchase products. and competitive advantages that lead to suc- interest and multi-disciplinary effort
cessful outcomes for their brands. toward the study of cannabinoid science
What motivates you to be a part of the Durée Ross and the timely and much needed educa-
cannabis Industry? How can people in Florida benefit tion for our community,” Konin empha-
Being a part of the cannabis industry ties into Durée & from the company you represent? sized. To date, faculty from the areas of
Company’s work in emerging markets. Well before the 2018 Durée & Company has set itself apart by offering a select athletic training, nursing, analytical
Farm Bill passed, we saw incredible potential and were already group of clients our proactive and strategic counsel. Never a one- chemistry, epidemiology, occupational
working in the industry. There is a significant need for ongoing size-fits-all PR strategy, we thoroughly understand the industry, therapy, speech/language pathology,
education, branding and public relations so that companies in the client, and recognize the continued need for education and public health, and psychology com-
this space reach customers/patients no matter their comfort level anticipatory thinking. We keep a watchful eye on local and fed- prised the initiative’s team.
or knowledge of cannabis products. Being able to directly impact eral legislation and have a strong pulse on key expos and leader- The stated mission reads as follows:
a brand, be a part of their DNA, and create a path for success is ship conferences. We have proven relationships with influencers “The Global Initiative for Cannabinoid
what keeps us motivated and enriched in our work. and thought leaders and utilize these relationships to garner pub- Research and Education is committed to
licity and awareness for our clients. As the industry continues its high-quality education, contemporary
Continued on page 26 and evidence-based research and cre-
Continued on page 31