Therapeutic Uses of Cannabis: An Experience with an Elective Course to Introduce the Content in Undergraduate Medical EducationIntroduction: Cannabis sativa L. has a thousand-year history of therapeutic use and scientific evidence of clinical applicability in conditions such as chronic pain, nausea and vomiting associated with chemotherapy, epilepsy and multiple sclerosis, in addition to growing evidence of a potential positive effect in several other morbidities. This great therapeutic potential, justified by the existence of a widely distributed endocannabinoid system with pro-homeostatic functions, is still little present in undergraduate medical school curricula.
Experience report: This report describes the elective course “Introduction to the Endocannabinoid System and the therapeutic use of Cannabis spp. and derivatives”, offered in the third year of medical school at Botucatu School of Medicine of Universidade Estadual Paulista (FMB-UNESP). With a 30-hour workload and a hybrid format, the course brought together 32 students and addressed the Endocannabinoid System, product formulation, legal access routes and clinical practice.
Discussion: The initiative sought to fill gaps in medical training, considering the increased demand for the therapeutic effects of cannabis in Brazil.
Conclusion: The inclusion of the topic in medical undergraduate courses is essential to train future professionals in face of regulatory changes and emerging clinical needs.
Key-words:
Medical Marijuana; Medical Education; Endocannabinoids