MORE than 150 people will attend the inaugural medical cannabis conference at Queen’s University’s Riddel Hall on Saturday January 27 to hear ground breaking research and testimony from those who have already benefited from its use.
The United Patients Alliance Northern Ireland is hosting the event, which will hear from Dr David Gibson of Ulster University, NI’s only cannabinoid researcher, who will present his recent work on medical cannabis as an anti-inflammatory and in reducing pain.
Keynote speaker is Professor Michael Barnes, MD FRCP, Neuropharmacology.
He said: “The Northern Irish Medical Cannabis Summit is really important to raise awareness of the benefits of medical cannabis and continue our efforts to get this invaluable product legal for thousands of people currently having to live with pain and other real problems in their daily lives.”
The United Patients Alliance is run entirely by patients and activists including veterans and an MS patient soon to be standing for council with UUP, with the summit organisation the work of volunteers.
The conference is intended as a gathering of people at the forefront of cannabis research, policy innovation, legal knowledge and cannabis product and brand development.
It will include debates, research presentations and panel discussions. Speakers will include TDs, Baroness Molly Meacher, a UN representative, as well as consultants and experts in the field.
Dr Gibson explained what he hopes to achieve: “I am particularly interested in conducting rigorous research on the potential anti-inflammatory and pain reducing cannabinoid compounds in the treatment of arthritis.
This event offers an opportunity to describe the aims of our research at Ulster University and explain the potential impacts on wider society.”
Backed by Greenlight Medicines, Ireland’s only cannabis pharmaceutical firm, that is building an extraction plant and laboratory on the border between Co. Derry and Co. Donegal.
Patient testimony on the use of medicinal cannabis comes from all parts of Northern Ireland.
Neil Paine a-46-year-old British Army Veteran from Coleraine has suffered PTSD and Chronic Pain for 14 years.
“I believe that members of organizations concerned with the care of veterans could gain a much needed insight into this long demonized medicine,” he said. “The Barnes Report already shows evidence to support the medicinal and therapeutic value of cannabis as treatment for PTSD among other conditions.”
Geoff Tate from East Belfast will be seeking to stand in local councils with the Ulster Unionist Party said: “A government’s primary role is to keep its citizens safe. If the medicine is safe and effective and there is general consensus amongst the medical fraternity then there is no question the law will change.
“As a Multiple Sclerosis patient I am forced (as there is no other option) to take some very dangerous pharmaceutical infusion medications. The danger is death. Debate not hate, that is what is needed.”
Speakers include:
– Professor Michael Barnes, MD FRCP, Consultant Neurologist and Neuropharmacologist, Author of The Barnes Report, the UK’s leading body of cannabinoid research.
– Baroness Molly Meacher, Chairperson to the All Party Parliamentary Group for Drug Policy Reform, Crossbencher House Of Lords
– Dr. Arno Hazekamp, Cannabis Consultant
– Dr. David Gibson, Cannabinoid Researcher, Ulster University
– Paul North, Treatment and Addiction Policy Advisor at VolteFace
– Kirstie Douse, Release, The UK Centre of Expertise on Drugs and Drugs Law
– PANEL FROM REPUBLIC OF IRELAND;
Dr. Garrett McGovern. TD Gino Kenny, Tom Curran and Brian Houlihan
– Dr. Axel Klein – Program Evaluator to United Nations Office for Drugs and Crime
– UPA Directors and Regional Chairpersons