Upcoming Speaking Engagements and Events.
February Journal Club - Decoding Semisynthetic Cannabinoid Toxicity
This journal club will explore the rising public health concern of semisynthetic cannabinoids (SSCs), focusing on their toxicity and the increasing reports of associated adverse events. SSCs, such as hexahydrocannabinol (HHC), are often marketed as legal alternatives to traditional cannabis, but they can have potent and unpredictable effects.
January Journal Club - Challenging the Dogma about CBD
Join us for a journal club where we will discuss the complex relationship between cannabis use, motivation, and the experience of eating. Cannabis use is commonly associated with an increase in appetite and changes to the perception of food, colloquially known as "the munchies."
December Journal Club - Is it Just the Munchies?
Join us for a journal club where we will discuss the complex relationship between cannabis use, motivation, and the experience of eating. Cannabis use is commonly associated with an increase in appetite and changes to the perception of food, colloquially known as "the munchies."
Addressing Unmet Needs in Cannabis and Hemp by Improving Knowledge and Data Collection
Jahan Marcu will be presenting data at the ACR Convergence Conference in Washington, DC during Poster Session B Session: (1402–1405) Research Methodology Poster – ARP (10:30 AM – 12:30 PM) Sunday, November 17, 2024 10:30 AM – 12:30 PM Room: Hall C
Abstract Poster Presenter: Jahan Marcu, PhD – Physicians Research Center
Addressing Unmet Needs in Cannabis and Hemp by Improving Knowledge and Data Collection (1402)
Marcu JP(1,2), Molloy P(1), Simon TA(1), Wabwire M(1), Pray K(1), Simon J(1)
Affiliations: (1)Physicians Research Center, LLC, (2)Marcu Enterprises
Cannabis and its derivatives are increasingly integrated into treatments for rheumatic diseases, yet there is a significant lack of evidence and systematic data collection regarding their use and impact. As the prevalence and diversity of cannabinoid-containing products rise globally, gathering useful Real-World Data (RWD) becomes increasingly complex. The National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) has emphasized the urgent need for harmonizing data collection. Additionally, Health Care Professionals (HCPs) often hesitate to record cannabis use data due to perceived legal challenges. This lack of systematic learning and documentation hinders understanding of the benefits, risks, and potential Drug-Drug Interactions (DDIs) associated with these products, which is crucial for informed healthcare decisions in rheumatic disease management.
To address unmet educational needs and improve HCPs' knowledge, attitudes (K/A), and data collection practices related to Cannabis and Cannabis-Derived Products (CCDP), including hemp and hemp-derived products, we conducted a preliminary survey with HCPs, evaluating their K/A of CCDPs through a 40-question survey. Building on these insights, we developed a pilot study that included an updated K/A survey integrated with the Cerium educational platform. The Cerium platform features four educational modules, blogs, a virtual journal club, and discussions on patient-reported outcomes (PROs). Budsinfo, a systematic data collection tool, was integrated to report and analyze real-time outcomes related to CCDP use from participating HCPs. Follow-up surveys and discussions are conducted at virtual monthly meetings to ensure continuous learning and adaptation.
Preliminary findings show that 90.9% of HCPs are open to using tools to assess patients' cannabis experiences. However, 57.89% found the use of a self-reported Substances Use Scale App "Not applicable," indicating barriers such as lack of access to technology and training. Additionally, 63.16% found encouraging patients to use an adverse effect reporting tool "Not applicable,” highlighting systemic barriers in patient engagement. Most HCPs rely on news and social media for cannabis information, while preferring lectures and medical journals for other new medications. Notably, over 57% of respondents reported a lack of confidence in their out current knowledge of cannabinoid molecules, underscoring the need for enhanced education and systematic data collection. And over 47% responded “not applicable” to the question, “How would you react if a patient asks you about using medical marijuana?”
Budsinfo and Cerium constitute a potentially comprehensive solution to bridge critical gaps in adverse event reporting and promote data-driven decision-making for regulatory agencies, HCPs, and the public. This holistic approach, combining real-time data collection with dedicated educational resources, contributes to enhanced product safety understanding and consumer health in rapidly evolving markets. By implementing these tools, we can better support healthcare providers, ultimately improving patient care and outcomes.
To cite this abstract in AMA style:
Marcu J, Molloy P, Pray K, Simon T. Addressing Unmet Needs in Cannabis and Hemp by Improving Knowledge and Data Collection [abstract]. Arthritis Rheumatol. 2024; 76 (suppl 9). https://acrabstracts.org/abstract/addressing-unmet-needs-in-cannabis-and-hemp-by-improving-knowledge-and-data-collection/. Accessed October 24, 2024.
November Journal Club
Join us for an engaging journal club where we will delve into the complexities of Cannabinoid Hyperemesis Syndrome (CHS) in light of new and emerging research. CHS is a perplexing condition seen in some cannabis users, characterized by cyclic vomiting and abdominal pain. In this session, we will explore a series of recent studies and case reports to gain a deeper understanding of its prevalence, assessment, and management, with special attention regarding CBD use and cannabis legalization. This event is ideal for expectant parents, healthcare providers, educators, and anyone interested in the health implications of cannabis use.
Webinar: Cannabis, Pregnancy, and Public Health: Perspectives on Recent Research
Join us for a virtual event hosted by Mother to Baby, featuring leading experts who will share the latest research and insights on cannabis use during pregnancy. As legalization expands, understanding its effects on maternal and fetal health is more important than ever. Our distinguished panel will provide evidence-based information, addressing both the risks and benefits, to support healthcare professionals, expectant families, and the general public in making informed decisions.
Presentation and Book Signing - Medical Cannabis Conference - Baltimore, MD
Dr. Marcu give a presentation entitled Perspectives on the Future Cannabis Regulation in the United States and will be available, with contributors, to sign copies of their new book series Cannabis Innovations.
Pregnancy and Substance Use Interventions - Cerium Journal Club
This online event will be a discussion about a publication titled, Perception of pregnant individuals, health providers and decision makers on interventions to cease substance consumption during pregnancy: a qualitative study. BMC Public Heal. 24, 990 (2024).
Pregnancy and Mental Health Outcomes - Cerium Journal Club
This online event will be a discussion about a publication titled, Association of Mental Health Burden With Prenatal Cannabis Exposure From Childhood to Early Adolescence: Longitudinal Findings From the Adolescent Brain Cognitive Development (ABCD) Study. JAMA Pediatr. 176, 1261–1265 (2022).
Pregnancy and Neonatal Outcomes - Cerium Journal Club
This online event will be a discussion about a publication titled, Cannabis Use in Pregnancy and Neonatal Outcomes: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. published in the journal of Cannabis and Cannabinoid Research (2024).
Journal Club - Anxiety
Dr. Marcu co-hosts a discussion regarding a 2024 research article on the topic of anxiety and cannabis use
Panel on Drug Testing in the Workplace at the National Labor-Management Conference
Jahan Marcu, PhD will be speaking as an invited expert at the National Labor-Management Conference on the panel entitled Drug Testing in the Workplace at the National Labor-Management Conference.
About the conference:
FMCS, LERA, and ILERA are excited to bring you this unique joint conference that brings together the finest practitioners, academics, and neutrals in the world of labor relations. You will not want to miss this one-of-a-kind event. LERA’s mission bridges research, practice, policy, and stakeholders. ILERA’s general purpose is to promote the study of labor and employment relations throughout the world in the relevant academic disciplines. The Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service (FMCS) is a federal agency that works to build better, more effective workplace relationships and mitigate the damage from inevitable conflict through preventive dialogue, honest communication, and responsive strategies.
June 26-30, 2024 Hilton Midtown Manhattan, New York
For complete information, registrations, hotel details, and speaker/panelist info, please visit https://www.leraweb.org/triad-2024-nyc
EULAR 2024 – Annual European Congress of Rheumatology
Jahan Marcu, PhD will be giving a presentation entitled, Empowering Health Professionals Participation in Cannabis & Hemp Data Collection Through the Budsinfo™ Cerium™ Education Platforms at the EULAR 2024 Congress in Vienna Austria (June 12th - 15th, 2024)
Since its introduction in 2000, the EULAR European Congress of Rheumatology has become the primary platform for exchange of scientific and clinical information in Europe. It is also a renowned forum for interaction between medical doctors, scientists, people with arthritis/rheumatism, health professionals and representatives of the pharmaceutical industry worldwide. The EULAR congress is usually held in June in one of the major cities in Europe.
Over the years, the EULAR Congress has gained a reputation of being a most innovative platform for the practicing physician particularly with respect to the acquisition of information on novel clinical research. The congress attracts more than 18,000 delegates from more than 130 countries.
The aim of the EULAR European Congress of Rheumatology is to provide a forum of the highest standard for scientific, both clinical and basic, educational and social exchange between professionals involved in rheumatology, liaising with patient organisations, in order to achieve progress in the clinical care of people with rheumatic diseases.
Journal Club - Cardiovascular System and Cannabinoids
Jahan Marcu, PhD is presenting and moderating this journal club meeting, he will delve into data on cannabinoids and the cardiovascular system from the Journal of the American Heart Association. This journal club meeting is reoccurring on the 1st Tuesday of every month at 8:00 PM EST.