Training course: Cannabis for Medical Use, Macedonia

The following training course has been designed for the Macedonian medical practitioners with the aim to initiate the educational process about medical cannabis use. Since the medical use of cannabis has been recently allowed by the Macedonian government this course offers an introduction into basic mechanisms of the endocannabinoid system, cannabinoid pharmacology and the practical application of cannabis as medicine.

Organizer: International Center for Ethnobotanical Education, Research and Services (ICEERS) Spain, Hedron Analytical Inc. Canada, Republic of Macedonia Ministry of Health, Association Green Alternative Macedonia
Location: Macedonia
Target audience: General practitioners and specialists, interns and nurses.
Dates: Begins June 24th, 2016 and continues from 14th to 17th September 2016.
Hours: 10:00 am to 6:00 pm with a break for lunch and 2 coffee breaks (morning and afternoon).
Each day after the lectures there is another 60 minutes time for questions and discussion.
All lectures are in English language.

Design, coordination and implementation: Filip Dostovski, Dr. Paul Hornby, Dr. José Carlos Bouso, Maja Kohek (MSc)

Lecturers
Dr. Paul Hornby
Dr. Ethan Russo
Dr. Jose Carlos Bouso
Dr. Jack McCue
Dr. Željko Perdija
Dr. Javier Pedraza

PROGRAM
Since the main objective of the course is to prepare physicians for clinical practice and research most speakers are clinicians, and their presentations will contribute to achieving this goal.
Pre- and post-course evaluation is part of the training course. Certificates are provided by the Republic of Macedonia Ministry of Health.

PART I: Medical Cannabis Introduction (24.06.2016, 60 minutes lecture, 60 minutes pre-evaluation)

INTRODUCTION
Dr. Paul Hornby: Natural cannabis medicine and its applications
Dr. Paul Hornby: Pre-evaluation

PART II: Training Course (14.09.-17.09.2016)

DAY 1: Wednesday, 14.09.2016 (PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS)
MEDICINE
10:00 – 11:00 Dr. Ethan Russo: Drug interactions
11:15 – 12:15 Dr. Ethan Russo: Formulations and prescription
(lunch break)
MEDICAL PRACTICE (WORKSHOPS)
14:00 – 15:00 Dr. Željko Perdija MD: Treating patients with cannabis
15:15 – 16:15 Dr. Javier Pedraza, MD: Treating patients with cannabis
16:30 – 18:00 Q&A Session

DAY 2: Thursday, 15.09.2016 (BASIC CANNABIS SCIENCE)
ENDOCANNABINOID SYSTEM AND CANCER
10:00 – 11:00 Dr. José Carlos Bouso: Endocannabinoid system
11:15 – 12:15 Dr. Jack McCue: Anti-tumor action of cannabinoids
(lunch break)
14:00 – 15:00 Dr. Jack McCue: Evidence-based Indications for Medicinal Cannabis
15:15 – 16:45 Q&A Session

DAY 3: Friday, 16.09.2016
PHARMACOLOGY AND MENTAL HEALTH
10:00 – 11:00 Dr. José Carlos Bouso: Cannabis Pharmacology
11:15 – 12:15 Dr. José Carlos Bouso: Psychiatric disorders and addiction
(lunch break)
CHRONIC PAIN AND SEIZURE DISORDERS
14:00 – 15:00 Dr. Paul Hornby: Neuropathic and chronic pain
15:15 – 16:15 Dr. Paul Hornby: Epilepsy
16:30 – 18:00 Q&A Session

DAY 4: Saturday, 17.09.2016
POST-EVALUATION AND EXCHANGE
10:00 – 11:00 Dr. Paul Hornby: Post-Evaluation