Medical professionals have been encouraged to “share their knowledge and push the field forward” as they prepare to gather on the Gold Coast for the annual conference of the Australian and New Zealand College of Cannabinoid Practitioners.
The event, now in its second year, will welcome medical practitioners and other medicinal cannabis industry professionals from the across the country for the three-day event.
It takes place at the Intercontinental Sanctuary Cove Resort between May 2 and 4 and is open to all doctors, nurses and pharmacists registered with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency.
ANZCCP vice president Dr Orit Holtzman said the inaugural gathering in 2024 “exceeded all expectations”.
“It was energising to see so many passionate professionals come together to share knowledge and push the field forward,” she said. “This year, we’re building on that momentum with a program that bridges cutting-edge research and real-world clinical insights.”
Clinical workshops have been added to this year’s conference program, with separate sessions for doctors, nurses and pharmacists taking place on the Friday afternoon.
Along with panel discussions on ethics and legislation and compliance, masterclasses will be delivered across the weekend on a number of subjects, including the endocannabinoid system, dependence risks associated with THC treatments and the role of medicinal cannabis in managing sleep disorders. They will be delivered by Dr Jamie Rickcord, Dr Mark Hardy and Dr Dev Banerjee respectively.
Other presenters include Dr Jim Connell, Dr Imran Kham and nurse practitioner Lisa Dick.
Associate professor and NICM director of research Mike Armour will provide a research update on the role of medicinal cannabis in gynaecological pain, while Dr Gianni Del Rosario-Makridis will deliver an update on cannabis chemovars for clinical practice.
Other sessions will see Dr Daryl Efron address delegates on medicinal cannabis for paediatric developmental, behavioural and mental health disorders while Dr Bryce Joynson will discuss medicinal cannabis and ADHD.
“Whether your focus is research or patient care, there’s something here to support and inspire your work,” Dr Holtzman said.
Tickets for the event are available here.
