Trying to understand the benefits of medical Marijuana: Trinidad and Tobago's Health Ministry

Because of government concerns about its use on children, academics have made educating and training doctors about the advantages and risks of medical marijuana a key priority.

According to Minister Terrence Deyalsingh, the University of Guelph collaborated with Professor Terrence Seemungal to develop training and methods for the Cannabis Control Bill, 2020. Students in the School of Medicine's MBBS and DDS programmes, according to Deyalsingh, are receiving additional courses on medical cannabis use and prescription.

"Marijuana, like other psychotropic substances, should be used with caution, whether recreationally or therapeutically. There are benefits and cons, and it can be dangerous to unskilled or uninformed individuals, as well as those under 21, because research has proven that it affects the minds of those under 21 in a different way," he said.

Postgraduate cannabis courses include acute cannabis overdose, psychosis, and general toxicology. He also stated that pharmacists are being trained. "Medical marijuana can be utilized," according to the Minister, but it should be used with caution because it is not a cure-all for all conditions.

"Doctors are already providing drugs like pethidine morphine valium... other pills that are incredibly addictive and unpleasant," Senator Varma Deyalsingh said. One of the many cannabinoids present in the cannabis plant is cannabidiol, or CBD oil for pain relief, according to Dr. Deyalsingh.

CBD, unlike THC, does not produce psychotropic effects (the main psychoactive element in cannabis that induces a high). While it may appear to be harmless at first appearance, "there is no doubting the danger of addiction," he said.