Florida doctors get cannabis training

The federal government has reclassified medical cannabis as a Schedule III substance, a regulatory change that Sabrina Fayez, director of the Master of Science in Medical Cannabinoid Therapeutics program at Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine, describes as a major shift in how the medical community views the drug.

Despite the federal change, Fayez told ABC7 that patients in Florida’s medical marijuana program will not see immediate alterations to their care. The state retains control over all state-managed medical dispensaries, meaning the current operational framework for patients remains unchanged by the new federal status.

Fayez noted that the reclassification opens the door for expanded scientific inquiry. Researchers are currently studying cannabis-based treatments for epilepsy, cancer-related symptoms, and complications from chronic illnesses. However, she stated that more research is needed to fully understand the effectiveness, risks, and appropriate uses of these therapies.

As the field evolves, Fayez argued that healthcare providers require formal training to guide patients safely. She cited Florida’s large population of medical marijuana cardholders as a key reason for this educational push. Providers need to understand both the potential benefits and adverse effects of cannabinoid therapies to offer evidence-based advice.

Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine is addressing this gap through its specialized graduate program. The curriculum is built on osteopathic principles of whole-person care. It covers the history of medical cannabis, the interaction between cannabinoids and the human body, dosing strategies, and the business operations of dispensaries.

Fayez said the program’s goal is to equip graduates with the scientific knowledge necessary to operate in a developing area of healthcare. The course also examines changing regulations to ensure clinicians can translate complex medical data into safe, informed decisions for their patients.