Montclair, NJ, July 28, 2014
PAINWeek, the National Conference on Pain for Frontline Practitioners, announced today that the 2014 Conference will feature a new track exploring the current prescribing environment for medical marijuana in the treatment of chronic pain. The evolving role of cannabinoid-based therapies for various pain conditions will be considered from both medical and legal perspectives.
The regulatory landscape for cannabinoids continues to change, with 23 states and the District of Columbia having enacted legislation to legalize medical marijuana as of July 2014. This new track, to be presented on Saturday, September 6, will include consideration of best medical practice with medical marijuana, appropriate point of care testing, distinguishing appropriate vs inappropriate use, the medical marijuana ecosystem and legal perspective, and perspective on the evolving status of cannabis for medical and recreational use.
Commenting on the new track, veteran PAINWeek faculty member Michael Schatman, PhD, CPE, DASPE, observed that “Medical marijuana is becoming more broadly available in the US, despite the fact that our understanding of the pharmacology of cannabinoids for chronic pain is still in its infancy. Although the empirical support for certain cannabinoids in the treatment of pain is increasing rapidly, the regulatory landscape across levels of government continues to be complex. Consequently, we continue to observe reluctance by clinicians to authorize their use. My colleagues and I hope to provide our attendees with new empirical data and perspectives that will help them to appropriately incorporate medical cannabis into their treatment arsenals.”
Among other enhancements to PAINWeek 2014 attendees will find new course concentrations for nurse practitioners, a new track presented by the American Society of Interventional Pain Physicians, and an expanded 3-day format for the highly popular Pain Educators Forum. As at prior PAINWeek conferences, the 2014 curriculum features a wealth of curricula, including behavioral pain management, health coaching, interventional pain management, medical/legal, neurology, pain and chemical dependency, pharmacotherapy, regional pain syndromes, and full-day programs presented by the American Academy of Pain Medicine, the American Pain Society, the American Society of Pain Educators, the National Association of Drug Diversion Investigators, and the Veterans Health Administration. Additionally, over 100 exhibitors will be participating during Exhibit Hall hours commencing with the traditional Welcome Reception on Wednesday evening.
In total, the PAINWeek curriculum now encompasses over 120 CE/CME course hours, enabling attendees to earn 39 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits. Significant registration discounts are available to individuals and groups during “early-bird” registration until July 31, 2014.
About PAINWeek
PAINWeek is the largest US pain conference for frontline practitioners with an interest in pain management. Convening at The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas for its 8th year on September 2-6, 2014, PAINWeek expects to welcome over 2000 physicians, nurses, pharmacists, and other healthcare professionals for a comprehensive program of course offerings, satellite events, and exhibits. Over 120 hours of continuing medical education activities will be presented. To learn more and register for PAINWeek 2014, visit www.painweek.org.
