Meeting the IACM Patient Council

Exploring Barcelona’s Cannabis Conferences:

Dog Lucky and me just came back from an exciting journey to Barcelona, where we immersed ourselves in the vibrant world of cannabis. Over the course of a week, we had the privilege of attending several renowned conferences, including Cdays, ICBC, Spannabis, and the World Cannabis Congress. Our time in Barcelona was filled with fascinating encounters, insightful discussions, and meaningful connections that left a lasting impact on us!

Connecting with the IACM Patient Council: Advocating for Health and Quality of Life with medical Cannabis

One of my highlights of our (Lucky and mine;))  trip was the opportunity to connect with the IACM Patient Council on a roof top in Barcelona. The council included representatives such as Simón Winistörfer🇨🇭, Maximilian Plenert 🇩🇪, Carola Pérez 🇪🇸, and Mohammad W. 🇬🇧. Despite their diverse nationalities, backgrounds, and health struggles, they were united in their shared cause and need: safe and easy access to high-quality medical cannabis. We’ll delve deeper into their individual stories as I manage further in the editing process.

The IACM Patient Council operates under the umbrella of the IACM (International Alliance of Cannabinoid Medicine), which is dedicated to advancing knowledge on cannabis, cannabinoids, the endocannabinoid system, and related topics, particularly in terms of their therapeutic potential.

Engaging in profound discussions on health and quality of life, I was deeply inspired by their unwavering advocacy for safe, high-quality, and user-friendly medicinal options, with cannabis at the forefront. Despite the progress in the cannabis industry, stigma persists, hindering patients from accessing the medicine they need. It’s crucial to remember that it was courageous patients who spoke up about their challenges, igniting a movement rooted in the simple desire for a normal life.

Global Networks and Paradigm Shifts: Revolutionizing Medicinal Cannabis

Among the many cannabis patients we’ve encountered over the years, this group for me stood out for their involvement in a unique global council spanning 23 countries. I believe that such networks have the power to shift the paradigm of medicinal cannabis and by doing so also address other global challenges that come along. Through rigorous scientific evidence and collective action, these networks strive to ensure easy access to the highest quality medicine, championing the rights of patients worldwide.

Focusing on Patients and Creating Win-Win-Win Scenarios

In the midst of ever changing financial considerations and evolving industry dynamics, it’s essential to re-prioritize the needs of patients. Brands in the medicinal cannabis industry have a unique opportunity to stand out by focusing on patient-centric approaches. By listening to patients and supporting their needs, we can create win-win-win scenarios benefiting patients, brands, and the entire sector. This approach not only fosters access to high-quality medicine but also influences much broader policies, such as shaping the future of the hemp sector and by doing so, positively impacting our environment.

The Challenge of Financial Support: Navigating Industry Hurdles

Amidst numerous discussions, not only with the patient council but also with other advocates championing women and minority rights, as well as independent journalists shedding light on vital topics, one challenge consistently stands out: the lack of financial support (for all of us)!

Having struggled with this issue from the beginning myself, I intimately understand the hurdles of producing important quality work without financial stability.

Dedication Amid Limitations: The Remarkable Efforts of Patients

One aspect that struck me during our conversation with the patients’ council was the remarkable dedication of patients themselves to critical tasks like managing the website and social media platforms. Even individuals facing significant physical limitations, immense pain and such as those confined to wheelchairs or with limited mobility, contribute tirelessly.

Why? Because funding for professional roles is scarce. What may seem daunting for a volunteer-based patient council is often effortlessly handled by an average company, which hires a social media manager, freeing up patient activists to focus on advocacy work.

“Look at what we’ve achieved without external assistance. Imagine the possibilities with some financial support,” remarks Simón Winistörfer, Swiss Patient Council representative and member of MEDCAN, the Swiss medical cannabis association.

A Call for Support: Investing in Advocacy and Progress

In essence, the industry has a choice: continue investing in self-serving endeavors or support those advocating for universal rights. By prioritizing meaningful impact, the industry can earn the trust and support of patients and society as a whole.

For further details about the patient council, please visit their website at: IACM Patient Council

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