In the Press

Premiere Virtual Educational Platform for the Medical Community

Premiere Virtual Educational Platform for the Medical Community
20 March, 2023

See beyond the eye. Science is our world of innovation, discovery, questioning and digging deeper. In this 13-part educational online course, join world-leading cannabis experts and researchers with information focused for healthcare professionals.

Learn about treatments and practices, historical and present day uses of cannabinoid. 

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Curriculum topics include: 

  • Biochemical and agricultural challenges
  • Pharmacokinetics & pharmacodynamics
  • Side effects and pain management
  • Cancer relief
  • Addiction
  • Nursing aspects
  • Children diseases

 

Featuring Professors:

Prof. Yossi Tam of Hebrew University

Prof. Sara Eyal of Hebrew University

Prof. Elyad Davidson of Hadassah University Hospital 

Dr. Yakir Rottenberg of Hadassah University Hospital 

Dr. Adi Aran of Shaare Zedek Medical Center

Prof. Timna Naftali of Meir Medical Center

Ms. Ronit Meidan of Hadassah University Hospital

 

Benefits: Unlimited access – the course can be completed in your own time and pace. Continuing education opportunity and networking. The Hebrew University, MCCR and Yissum look forward to your participation.

 

Special promotion: Get 15% off when registering before May 31th, 2023!

 

REGISTER NOW

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Tribute to PROF. Raphi Mechoulam

Tribute to PROF. Raphi Mechoulam
20 March, 2023

 

Dear Colleagues and Friends,

It is with great sadness we report the passing of Raphael Mechoulam, Ph.D. Raphi passed away peacefully on Thursday, March 9th, 2023, in his Jerusalem home. 

Dr. Mechoulam was a preeminent Israeli chemist and researcher, best known for his pioneering work in the field of Cannabis research. Widely revered as the "Father of Cannabinoid Research", his discoveries related to the chemistry and pharmacology of cannabinoids – including the identification and synthesis of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the main psychoactive compound in Cannabis, and the discovery of endocannabinoids – were ground-breaking.

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Raphi's research significantly impacted our understanding of the endocannabinoid system, its importance, and the therapeutic potential of Cannabis. His work paved the way for the development of new drugs and treatments in a range of medical conditions, including chronic pain, epilepsy, and multiple sclerosis. In recognition of his many contributions to the field, Raphi received numerous awards and honors, including:

  • Israel Prize in Exact Sciences - Chemistry (2000)
  • Heinrich Wieland Prize (2004)
  • NIDA discovery award (2011)
  • EMET Prize (2012)
  • Rothschild Prize in Chemical Sciences and Physical Sciences (2012)
  • National Academy of Sciences Award in Chemical Sciences (2014)
  • Harvey Prize (2019)
  • American Chemical Society's Cannabis Chemistry Subdivision's Lifetime Achievement Award (2020)
  • Honorary doctorates from Ohio State University, University of Guelph, Complutense University, and the Weizmann Institute of Science

Beyond his scientific achievements, Raphi was known for his commitment to promoting scientific curiosity and discovery, and for his generosity in mentoring and supporting other researchers in the field, including many members of our ICRS society. His work inspired, and continues to inspire, a generation of successful cannabinoid researchers.  As such, he will be not only remembered for his specific contributions to Cannabis and cannabinoid research, but also for his far-reaching impact on the scientific community and more broadly our global society.

Raphi's name is, and will forever be, inscribed on our own, highest award – the ICRS Raphael Mechoulam Award – "given to distinguished, established scientists who have made continued meritorious, significant, and widely recognized contributions to cannabinoid and endocannabinoid research that have moved the discipline forward".  The 2023 Mechoulam awardee will be the 24th award presented in his name.

Raphi's work paved the way for so much of the research of our Society's Members and formed the cornerstone of knowledge leading to seminal discoveries on the endocannabinoid system.  It cannot be overstated his significance in the many decades since his early discoveries. 


Raphi’s work and his kindness touched us all … he will be dearly missed.

 

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Is Cannabis the Antibiotics of the 21st Century?

Is Cannabis the Antibiotics of the 21st Century?
25 July, 2021

Prof. Doron Steinberg, a researcher and lecturer from the Faculty of Dental Medicine and the Director of the Biofilm Research Lab, says that modern microbiology is not designed to kill viruses but rather to attack the biofilm construction.  In his lab, basic research is combined with clinical applications for a variety of developments and innovations to help combat biofilm as a major cause for infectious diseases like fungal diseases and Cystic Fibrosis that he is currently researching. “My goal is to think of additional applicable applications for cannabinoids, and the possibilities are endless.”

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Prof. Steinberg says: “We’re involved with a joint study with the head of the Pulmonary Department at Hadassah Ein Kerem, Prof. Malena Cohen.  Cystic Fibrosis is a terminal illness of the biofilm of the lungs with a very rapid morbidity.  Patients are subjected to high levels of all sorts of antibiotics daily which on occasion can be the actual cause of their deaths.  Our hope is to find a cannabinoid that is more effective for the treatment of this condition.”

 

An additional research focus in the joint study, alongside measuring the effectiveness of the cannabinoids, is how they can be best delivered to the lungs.  The team has developed an innovative solution that has already been tested and shown very positive responses.  Last month the team submitted a research grant to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation.

 

“The next stage that we are already working on, is on more ‘traditional’ infectious diseases, that will be easier to progress with in terms of regulatory issues because if we are successful when it comes to Cystic Fibrosis that these non-terminal diseases should be simpler in that regard.”

 

Prof. Steinberg’s most recent findings on cannabinoids research were published in the journal Scientific Reports.  Hebrew University is home to a Cannabinoids Research Center that is a global leader in this field and enjoys working partnerships with leading Israeli companies that are investing in new developments in this area as well as via the “Maadan” track of the Ministry of Health that has a vested interest in developing Israeli interests in science and healthcare. 

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Understanding the Impact of Medical Marijuana on Children, a Meta-Analysis / Ilan Matok

Understanding the Impact of Medical Marijuana on Children, a Meta-Analysis / Ilan Matok
6 July, 2021

In recent years, the use of medical cannabis to treat sick kids is on the rise, although questions remain about the benefits and safety of such treatments.  Now, a team of researchers from the Hebrew University of Jerusalem (HU) has completed a first-ever meta-analysis of pediatric patients treated with medical cannabis to better understand the risks and benefits of cannabis use among young patients
 

2 research projects were awarded funding by Integra Holdings

22 April, 2018

 

Congratulations to our researchers:

  1. Avi Priel & Masha Niv - Towards novel migraine drugs: activation of the pain receptor TRPA1 by cannabinoids
  2. Joseph Tam, Amiram Goldblum & Yuval Tabach - Discovery and Experimental Confirmation of Novel (Dual-Targeted) Peripherally Restricted CB1 Receptor Antagonists

2 research projects were awarded funding by CIITECH

5 November, 2017

 

Congratulations to our researchers:

  1. Prof. Raphael Mechoulam & Prof. Francesca Levi-Schaffer - The therapeutic benefit of cannabis for the treatment of asthma
  2. Joseph Tam - Testing the therapeutic effect of phytocannabinoids for nonalcoholic fatty liver disease