2009 Symposium

December 3-4, 2009
J.W. Marriott Starr Pass Hotel
Tucson, AZ

Continuing Pharmacy Education Sessions

The following presentations were given at the NABP 2009 Symposium:
 

Legalization of Drugs: Is the Time Right for Medical Marijuana?

Issue Introduction and Overview

A speaker will provide Symposium participants with facts about the medical use of marijuana, emphasizing evidence-based medicine, including the scientific evidence bearing on potential medical use. This introduction opens the door for further discussion regarding science, medicine, policy, and the law.

• Kenneth Mackie, MD, Linda and Jack Gill Chair of Neuroscience and Professor, Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, Indiana University Bloomington
  The Scientific Side of Medical Marijuana (PDF)

Should Marijuana be a Medical Option?

Participants will learn about the marijuana policies of some of the major health care associations and the largest national member-based organization of patients, medical professionals, scientists, and concerned citizens promoting safe and legal access to cannabis for therapeutic use and research. Do they all support medical marijuana? Do they all recommend additional trials and rescheduling?

• Barry D. Dickinson, PhD, Director, Science & Biotechnology, and Secretary, Council on Science and Public Health, American Medical Association
  Should Marijuana be a Medical Option? (PDF)
• Alice Mead, JD, Director of United States Professional Relations, GW Pharmaceuticals
  Should Marijuana be a Medical Option? (PDF)

Are These Medical Miracles?

Highly esteemed physicians will provide real-life examples of successful medical marijuana treatment and why legal prescription medications are not always the answer in providing the best patient care.

• Sunil K. Aggarwal, PhD, MS-IV, Medical Student/Researcher, University of Washington School of Medicine
• Gregory T. Carter, MD, MS, Professor of Rehabilitation Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine
  Cannabis in the Treatment of Chronic Pain
• Donald I. Abrams, MD, Professor of Clinical Medicine, University of California, San Francisco
  Cannabis in the Treatment of Chronic Pain

Are We Going to Legalize Medical Marijuana?

A Regulatory Approach to Medical Marijuana – What are the States Doing?

Representatives from state agencies will share with participants how medical marijuana programs have been incorporated into their state’s laws and regulations. How were they developed? How were they implemented? How are they enforced? Do they work?

• Jacob Appelsmith, JD, Special Assistant to the Attorney General, California Office of the Attorney General
  California and Medical Marijuana
• Lloyd K. Jessen, RPh, JD, Executive Director and Drug Control Program Administrator, Iowa Board of Pharmacy 
  Déjà vu: Medical Marijuana in Iowa 1979 to 2009
• Scott Galenbeck, JD, Assistant Attorney General, Iowa Office of the Attorney General
  Ditch-Weed Saga

A Regulatory Approach to Medical Marijuana – What has Canada Done?

Symposium participants will learn about the development of the Marihuana Medical Access Regulations in Canada and their implementation. In addition, operational aspects, including marijuana supply; policies; and legal issues will be addressed.

• Carole Bouchard, BPharm, MAP, Executive Director, National Association of Pharmacy Regulatory Authorities
  A Regulatory Approach to Medical Marihuana – What has Canada Done?

Legalizing Medical Marijuana – Creating a Slippery Slope?

What impact could legalizing medical marijuana bring? Will it lead us down a path to legalize other “immoral” behaviors? Will it increase recreational marijuana and other illicit drug use? Experts will provide participants with their insights including whether legalizing medical marijuana could help our ailing economy by becoming a source of tax revenue and decreasing money spent on criminal prosecutions.

• Andrea Barthwell, MD, FASAM, Founder and Chief Executive Officer, EMGlobal LLC, and Former Deputy Director for Demand Reduction, Office of National Drug Control Policy 
  Legalizing “Medical Marijuana” – Creating a Slippery Slope?
  
   

Public-Private Partnerships: Stimulus Packages for Dwindling State Resources

Public-Private Partnerships Overview

Symposium participants will be provided with an overview of the concept of public-private partnerships. What are they? How long have they been around? How do they work? How can they be used? What is needed for success?

• Richard Norment, MA, Executive Director, National Council for Public-Private Partnerships
  Overview of Public-Private Partnerships

Current State Public-Private Partnership Projects

Participants will learn about successful state public-private partnerships from around the country. Programs in place include the provision of health care benefits to education and the new partnership between NABP and the Maryland Board of Pharmacy for the subcontracting of inspections.

• Janita Gordon, BS, Senior Advancement Officer, Arizona Community Foundation
  Public/Private Partnerships
• Kim E. Light, PhD, Professor, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences College of Pharmacy, and Executive Secretary, Arkansas Pharmacy Support Group
  The Arkansas Pharmacy Support Group: Development and Operational Construct
• Joshua M. Bolin, BA, Field Services Senior Manager, NABP
  Current State Public-Private Partnership Projects