By leaning into our strengths as comprehensive care providers, we can ensure that the use of medical cannabis is grounded in the vision of the AAFP: to transform health care to achieve optimal health for everyone. Continuing medical education (CME) programs, peer-reviewed literature and state-run resources can empower family physicians to: • Understand the pharmacology and therapeutic applications of medical cannabis. • Review the evidence base for its use in specific conditions. • Develop practical strategies for monitoring efficacy and side effects. Additionally, every physician can have up to 15 patients as a Limited Medical Provider (LMP) without undergoing certification as a QMP if time and certification is the main barrier. While certification is not mandatory, the additional training provided to QMPs is beneficial in counseling patients and ensuring informed discussions about medical cannabis use. Call to Action As family physicians, we must embrace our role in this evolving landscape. By taking the time to educate ourselves about medical cannabis, we can: • Offer our patients a trusted source for guidance and care. • Reduce reliance on cannabis-specific clinics that may lack a comprehensive understanding of the patient and increase the cost for our patients. • Advocate for the integration of medical cannabis into family medicine frameworks, ensuring it remains a part of a broader treatment plan rather than a standalone solution. Medical cannabis, when used judiciously, offers a new avenue for relief for patients who have exhausted conventional therapies. As family physicians, we are not just gatekeepers but guides, helping our patients navigate complex decisions with empathy and expertise. By leaning into our strengths as comprehensive care providers, we can ensure that the use of medical cannabis is grounded in the vision of the AAFP: to transform health care to achieve optimal health for everyone. Michael Chen, MD, FAAFP, is a board-certified family physician who is an assistant professor with the Department of Family Medicine and Community Health at the University of Wisconsin. He received his medical degree from the University of Utah. He has served on the Utah Medical Cannabis Compassionate Use Board in addition to the Utah Physician Licensing Board and Utah Health Advisory Council. He is a past president of the Utah Academy of Family Physicians and is starting a term on the Board of the Wisconsin Academy of Family Physicians. *Dr. Chen’s opinions are his own and do not necessarily represent those of the Compassionate Use Board. 25
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