Ricky Williams And Wellness Experts Discuss Strategies For Cannabis Patient-Centric Care
At the recent Benzinga Cannabis Capital Conference, industry leaders explored the intersection of medical cannabis access, patient loyalty and market challenges.
Addressing key issues such as regulatory hurdles, changes in the medical marijuana market and the importance of patient education, the panel provided insights into maintaining patient care and access in a competitive market.
Navigating Accessibility And Risks To Medical Marijuana
Dr. Christina Betancourt Johnson, CEO of The Forest by Standard Wellness Maryland, highlighted the challenges in preserving patient access amid the rise of adult-use cannabis. Her company, which also operates in states like Utah, Missouri and Ohio, emphasizes the need for active engagement with elected officials and regulators to advocate for patients, especially when transitions between medical and adult use take place.
“We build those relationships long before coming into the market,” she said. To her, lawmakers aren’t normally familiar with cannabis, so education is of the essence. In those conversations, Johnson advocates for tax breaks for medical users, mandatory shelf space dedicated to patients and enhanced budtender education to prioritize quality care as states transition to adult-use markets.
The ‘Friction’ Between Medical And Adult-Use Markets
Founder of Leafwell, Emily Fisher, noted that the adult-use market introduces a type of “friction” that complicates access for patients. Leafwell aims to educate potential patients and partners, ensuring that therapeutic users are continually informed and supported, …