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‘Masterclass in Medical Cannabis’ Signals Global Change in Cannabis Opinion

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Masterclass in Medical Cannabis
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The global trend in cannabis legalization and acceptance of the plant as medicine took another leap forward recently. New Zealand’s largest medical cannabis firm and the leading British expert in medical cannabis recently joined forces to host a ‘Masterclass in Medical Cannabis’ series to educate local doctors and healthcare professionals about the benefits of incorporating the plant into their prescription.

Professor Mike Barnes, a highly experienced consultant neurologist and the Director of Education for the Academy of Medical Cannabis based in London, and Helius Therapeutics hosted three ‘Masterclass in Medical Cannabis’ events in Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch, the first RNZCGP-endorsed professional training of its kind.

Paul Manning, CEO of Helius believes it is “absolutely critical that New Zealand’s doctors have access to professional training in advance of locally-produced medicinal cannabis products becoming widely available from next year.”

“As the country’s largest medical cannabis firm, I feel it’s incumbent on Helius to invest in educational opportunities for healthcare professionals, in what is a rapidly emerging field of clinical practice,” said Manning.

We sat down with Prof. Barnes and Paul Manning to discuss the importance of education, the global trend of cannabis legalization and their mutual concern of the specialist sign-off requirement that’s recommended in the discussion document on New Zealand’s Medicinal Cannabis Scheme.

Professor Mike Barnes

Professor Mike Barnes

Cannabis Aficionado: Why do you think doctors are so hesitant to prescribe medical cannabis?

Professor Mike Barnes: There are several reasons: lack of knowledge and lack of guidance, also medical cannabis products being unapproved medicines, which means the doctor had to take additional responsibility — so they can be scared of prescribing!

Education is key to informed decision making. In an ideal world, what educational resources would you like medical professionals to have access to?

As many different formats as possible. On-line training, one-day masterclasses like we ran in New Zealand, and written material.

What do you think the most compassionate legal cannabis model looks like?

Wide access to all that may benefit without restriction on conditions that can be treated. Leave it up to the doctor to decide whether its right for that patient (like any other medicine). Allow all doctors (specialists and GPs) to prescribe any GMP standard product.

What parallels do you believe New Zealand has with the U.K. with regards to thoughts around cannabis legalization?

Very similar — general doctor reluctance to be involved — although I felt much more interest than we have in the U.K. That’s for medical cannabis of course. General legalization for recreational use is at about 50:50 split in the U.K. now — similar again to New Zealand.

Have you seen N.Z.’s proposed medical cannabis scheme? If yes, what are your thoughts?

Yes, and it’s generally excellent. The main issue is the proposed prescribing restriction that requires specialist sign off, which is unnecessary. I believe that GPs would make very good prescribers as medical cannabis is mainly a symptom treater and GPs treat the sort of symptoms that cannabis helps all the time, such as chronic pain, anxiety, sleep problems, etc.

What three things do you wish all doctors knew about medical cannabis?

That it is very safe. It is generally different from unregulated cannabis and there is good evidence for several indications.

Any advice for New Zealand moving forward with legalization?

Make medical cannabis products available through GPs without the need for a specialist recommendation. Help all doctors to learn by organizing a range of educational opportunities. And don’t rely on the traditional medical bodies to provide guidance, as they are usually far too conservative – the wrong generation!

Paul Manning, CEO, Helius Therapeutics

Paul Manning, CEO, Helius Therapeutics

Cannabis Aficionado: Why does Helius believe that educating doctors is so important?

Paul Manning: Thousands of suffering New Zealanders will be relying on their GPs for professional advice about medicinal cannabis for a range of therapeutic possibilities, and if appropriate, to access to products on prescription. We strongly believe every Kiwi has a natural right to a pain-free existence.

However, access will not improve unless doctors are well-informed about medical cannabis and how to prescribe the products. Let’s not repeat the mistakes of Australia and the U.K., where doctors were simply unprepared for the changes, causing widespread frustration among patients.

This initiative marked New Zealand’s first RNZCGP-endorsed professional training in medicinal cannabis for doctors on a national scale. It’s a major milestone for our burgeoning medicinal cannabis industry, as well as the healthcare sector.

How did Prof. Barnes become involved?

Mike became widely known after the U.K. Government commissioned him in 2016 to assess evidence for the medical use of cannabis. I had read this report, Cannabis: The Evidence for Medical Use. It helped to change the direction of legislation in the U.K. and acted as a catalyst to the eventual rescheduling of medicinal cannabis in November 2018. He is also the author of more than a dozen books and 200 published papers, several of which have been referenced by our team.

Mike also famously consulted to Alfie Dingley’s case in England, a six-year-old boy who suffers from a rare form epilepsy that was causing up to 150 seizures a month. His seizures have been since dramatically reduced after being given cannabis products. Mike is the Director of Education at The Academy of Medical Cannabis, so I reached out to him about this opportunity.

Did he enjoy himself?

Absolutely. We had an ambitious schedule, to deliver three full-day masterclasses in three cities, so we were flat out, but it was a lot of fun too! I think Mike really liked New Zealand and I know he was very encouraged by the positive response from healthcare professionals down here.

What has the feedback been from attendees?

We had 330 healthcare professionals attend the three masterclasses. The feedback has been fantastic. The majority of attendees were general practitioners. It was a big commitment to join the class for a whole day, and I think this demonstrates just how open-minded many doctors are to medical cannabis.

What is the biggest reason you believe cannabis should be legalized for medical purposes?

Cannabis is an extraordinary, natural treatment for many chronic conditions. These products present alternative to many harsh drugs, such opioids, and can improve the lives of millions of people across the world.

What is one thing you wish people knew about the therapeutic benefits of medical cannabis?

You don’t need to get high to get healthy. Even products that contain THC need not necessarily come with a euphoric effect.

How can the public educate themselves on medical cannabis?

There are some wonderful resources available online, such as Project CBD. There’s a fantastic book by the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine with the snappy title The Health Effects of Cannabis and Cannabinoids: The Current State of Evidence and Recommendations for Research. We’re also working on a unified repository of the world’s published cannabis research, which will be launched in 2020.

Any plans for more events like this again?

You bet. The Masterclasses in Medical Cannabis were just the start. We’ll be rolling out a program of professional and public education initiatives over the next 24 months. Helius has also just signed a quarter-million dollar commitment with BiotechNZ to stage a major education event in New Zealand early next year.

Culture

Four Museum Programs to Put on Your November 1 Calendar

From an ofrenda in Los Angeles to art-making on the Bowery, these November 1 museum programs offer a creative start to the month.

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Visitors viewing paintings in a gallery with turquoise and purple walls in São Paulo

The morning after Halloween does not have to mean putting creativity away. On Sunday, November 1, 2026, museum programs in New York, Philadelphia and Los Angeles offer ways to keep looking, listening and making. Some are geared toward families, some welcome all ages, and each offers a different point of entry into art and cultural traditions.

These are upcoming programs drawn from the institutions’ own calendars, not reports from events that have already happened. The dates are close enough to start planning now, but admission conditions differ. A free activity can still sit inside a museum that charges admission, and a festival’s hours do not necessarily match the building’s full opening day.

New York: make something on the Bowery

The New Museum’s fall program announcement lists Family Day for November 1, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., in its Sky Rooms North and South. The program offers free admission for families with children, gallery exploration using a Kids’ Guide and opportunities to make art together. Its stated audience is families with children ages 4–12.

The museum also lists another Family Day for December 6, making the November event one option in a continuing series. Storytime takes place on selected Sundays, but the announcement directs visitors to check the current schedule. It would be a mistake to assume that every activity mentioned across the fall calendar happens during this particular visit.

For a family outing, the useful feature is the combination of looking and doing. Rather than asking children to move quietly through an entire building, the program gives them a reason to make choices and create something themselves. Check the museum’s event calendar before leaving for any updated entry instructions.

Philadelphia: light, color and movement

At the Philadelphia Museum of Art’s Light the Way festival, November 1 programming runs from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the Main Building. The museum describes it as a celebration of the Festival of Lights and Southeast Asian artworks, with participation included in Pay What You Wish admission.

The schedule provides several different ways to join in. Lantern-making and a sensory-friendly quiet zone run throughout the event. From 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., visitors can make light catchers and collaborate on rangoli patterns in the South Indian Temple Hall. Bollywood fusion dance performances by Philly Dance Fitness are scheduled for 2 p.m.

That timetable makes it possible to choose a shorter visit around a particular activity. It also gives a group options when people want different levels of stimulation: the quiet zone is a practical part of the program, rather than an afterthought. Confirm admission arrangements directly with the museum.

Los Angeles: remembrance through music and plants

The Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County has a Día de los Muertos celebration scheduled for November 1 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. The museum’s calendar specifies that the program is free with paid museum admission and for members. It includes live music, hands-on activities and an interpretive ofrenda honoring departed loved ones.

The ongoing program includes a floral display made with Latinx with Plants, where visitors can add a message for someone they wish to honor. The museum frames the day around remembrance and community, reflecting a tradition observed in Mexico and elsewhere in Latin America.

Approach that invitation with the meaning of the occasion in view. An ofrenda is not interchangeable with Halloween decoration. Reading the interpretation and following guidance from the organizers can make the visit more thoughtful, whether the tradition is part of your own family life or something you are learning about.

Los Angeles: design a different future at LACMA

LACMA’s Andell Family Sundays offers a November 1 drop-in workshop inspired by Home of the Future, 1925–1985: Designing Domestic Utopias. Artists Bianca Argueta and Karl Petion lead the all-ages activity outside the W.M. Keck Education Center, with the calendar listing W.M. Keck Plaza and a 12:30–3:30 p.m. window.

The workshop is listed as free. The same page separately describes family gallery tours that require museum admission, so visitors should distinguish the outdoor activity from a ticketed gallery visit. Related workshops return November 8 and 15, offering alternatives if this Sunday is already full.

LACMA’s page also flags a Metro D Line closure at Wilshire/Fairfax through November 1, with bus service available. Anyone relying on that station should use the linked transit information to check the day’s route before setting out.

Choose the program that fits your city and interests, then confirm its current listing. Together, these calendars offer a useful reminder that a museum visit can involve making, memory, sound and movement as well as looking at objects behind glass.

Illustrative stock gallery in São Paulo; not one of the museums or November 1 events described. Photo: Andre Moura / Pexels.

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Kansas Survey Finds Majority Support for Cannabis Reform, With Medical Access Ahead

The new Kansas Speaks survey finds 65% support for medical legalization and 58.3% for recreational use. Those are public attitudes, not a change in law.

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White ballot box marked Vote with an American flag design

A new Kansas Speaks survey finds majority support for legalizing both medical and recreational cannabis, with medical access attracting the larger share. The results offer a measure of public sentiment ahead of the next policy debate; they do not announce a legalization measure or establish when one might pass.

Fort Hays State University’s Docking Institute of Public Affairs released the survey on October 26. Its public-affairs panel included 603 Kansas residents aged 18 and older. Cannabis was one of several subjects, alongside taxation, economic conditions, health policy and other state issues.

Medical and recreational support are different findings

The full report records 65 percent support and 15.3 percent opposition to medical marijuana legalization in general. For recreational legalization, 58.3 percent supported and 21.3 percent opposed. Both support figures combine stronger and more moderate responses.

That distinction matters because medical access and an adult-use market are different policy questions. Support for one does not tell lawmakers how respondents would answer every detail of the other, including who could sell products, how purchases would be taxed or which products would qualify.

The report also found 59.3 percent highly or somewhat likely to vote for a Kansas legislative candidate who supports medical legalization. That is a stated inclination attached to one issue. It is not a forecast that any named candidate will win, and it does not show how respondents ultimately balance cannabis against other concerns.

Who was surveyed, and when?

Fieldwork ran from September 23 through October 16. The institute used a Qualtrics online panel with demographic quotas, then weighted responses by age, gender, education and party registration. The report retained people who were not registered voters.

Readers should therefore describe the findings as a survey of adults, rather than substitute “likely voters.” Those populations answer different questions: public attitudes include people who may not vote, while an election forecast tries to anticipate the electorate that actually turns out.

Weighting is a statistical adjustment to the influence of different responses. It does not mean the researchers interviewed additional people after collection ended. The original number of participants and the weighted analytical total should not be treated as competing headcounts.

The Roper Center’s guide to polling transparency explains why disclosures about recruitment, population, collection methods and timing help readers judge whether a poll fits a particular purpose. Publishing those details enables scrutiny; disclosure by itself does not guarantee accuracy.

A percentage is not the whole policy argument

For cannabis readers, the useful starting point is the exact question. “Medical marijuana legalization in general” leaves many implementation choices open. A proposal with a defined patient program, licensing structure and product restrictions would present respondents with more information than that broad phrase.

Likewise, opposition is not automatically the remainder after subtracting support from 100. Where a questionnaire permits a middle or uncertain response, treating everybody outside the supporting group as an opponent exaggerates the division. The published support and opposition figures should be reported separately.

AAPOR’s guidance on polling uncertainty also distinguishes conventional sampling margins from model-dependent credibility intervals used with some online polls. The terms cannot simply be exchanged. This article does not assign an unsupported margin of error to the Kansas results.

Those limits do not make the survey uninformative. They define its contribution: a documented set of responses about broad cannabis questions during a stated period, rather than a guarantee about a future vote or legislative outcome.

A comparison with another poll also needs matching definitions. A survey asking about medical access for specified conditions is not asking precisely the same thing as general legalization. Differences in wording, field dates and the population sampled can matter before any apparent movement is interpreted as a change of mind. The safest comparison begins with the questionnaires, rather than two percentages taken out of their reports.

Public support and lawmaking follow separate paths

The Kansas Legislature’s explanation of its process shows the institutional steps a bill normally faces. Committee consideration and chamber votes precede agreement on identical language in both houses, followed by the governor’s role. A proposal’s effective date is another separate matter.

That means a poll release is not a substitute for checking a bill’s text, amendments and official status. An introduced measure, a committee recommendation and a signed law describe different stages, even if advocates cite the same public-support figures at each one.

The strongest reading of this survey is also the most specific. Medical legalization leads recreational legalization in the reported responses, and both have majority support among surveyed Kansas adults. Whether that support becomes an enacted program depends on decisions this survey did not make: the legislation’s contents, the votes and the implementation timetable.

Illustrative stock voting display; not a Kansas polling place or a cannabis ballot measure. Photo: Sora Shimazaki / Pexels.

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Windsor Cannabis Seizure Highlights Canada’s Separate Border Rules

An October 21 tunnel seizure reported this week illustrates why legal domestic purchases, CBD labels and medical documents do not automatically permit border travel.

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Blue steel structure of the Ambassador Bridge viewed from below

A reported cannabis seizure at the Windsor–Detroit Tunnel is a reminder that buying legally on either side of the border does not authorize carrying the purchase between countries. The distinction applies to ordinary travellers as well as to much larger quantities, and includes products marketed as CBD.

In reporting published October 27, Windsor News Today’s Mark Brown described an October 21 secondary inspection involving a U.S. traveller. The report said officers seized 13 kilograms of cannabis and 49 THC vapes, and that the traveller received a $56,100 penalty and was returned to Detroit without criminal charges being filed.

Those case details come from the local report, which attributes the information to the Canada Border Services Agency. They describe a particular enforcement outcome, not a standard penalty schedule or a prediction of what would happen to another traveller.

A legal market does not create a travel exception

The CBSA’s current cannabis border guidance says taking cannabis across Canada’s border is illegal without a Health Canada permit or exemption. The rule applies when entering and leaving Canada, including travel to or from jurisdictions where cannabis is legal.

The guidance includes edible cannabis, extracts, topicals and products containing cannabidiol. It also says the restriction applies regardless of quantity. A small personal-use package therefore raises the same underlying authorization question as a larger shipment, even though the circumstances and enforcement outcome may differ.

That is the key distinction for a visitor planning a weekend trip. Domestic permission to possess or purchase cannabis answers a question about the place where it was bought. It does not establish permission to export it, import it or carry it through another country.

Medical paperwork is not automatically border authorization

Canada’s international travel guidance also separates a prescription from the permission needed to cross with cannabis. A medical document alone does not create that authorization, and permission from Canada does not guarantee acceptance by the destination or a transit country.

It distinguishes market-approved prescription drugs containing cannabis from other medical cannabis. Certain prescription drugs may be carried under specific regulatory requirements, while other medical cannabis requires an individual Health Canada exemption issued only in rare and exceptional circumstances. Travellers should check the exact product and applicable official requirements rather than generalize from another person’s prescription.

This distinction makes the medicine’s identity important. A prescription product, a dispensary extract and an online CBD purchase should not be treated as interchangeable merely because they all involve cannabinoids. Nor does keeping an item in its original package establish an import authorization.

CBD is covered too

Health Canada’s CBD guidance explains that CBD is regulated under the Cannabis Act. The rules apply whether CBD comes from industrial hemp or other cannabis varieties. A hemp-derived label does not, by itself, remove the product from that framework.

The agency describes import and export of CBD products as tightly limited activities. Its commercial framework involves an appropriately licensed holder, a shipment-specific permit and a legitimate medical or scientific purpose. That is a different process from an ordinary traveller deciding that a product is acceptable because it is sold over the counter at home.

For someone packing a bag, the practical implication is to examine what the item contains rather than rely on terms such as hemp, wellness or non-intoxicating. The border question concerns the product and the applicable permission, not just whether the user expects to feel high.

Declaring an item and being allowed to import it are different

The CBSA’s May 2022 border reminder states that personal, mail, courier and commercial shipments can be examined for prohibited goods. It warns that undeclared cannabis can lead to seizure, monetary penalties, arrest or prosecution, depending on the circumstances.

The agency’s message covers gifts and personal-use products as well as larger movements. Posting a purchase across the border is therefore not an ordinary alternative to putting it in a vehicle. The mode of travel or delivery does not erase the underlying restrictions. A purchase intended as a gift still needs to satisfy the applicable border rules before it can be transported.

The current CBSA guidance says cannabis must be declared to the CBSA when entering Canada. Declaration is a reporting obligation; it is not a substitute for the authorization required to bring the product in.

The Windsor report gives that distinction a timely local example. The broader preparation belongs before departure: check bags and vehicle storage, identify any cannabis-containing products and consult the official requirements for the full route. A legal purchase receipt and a lawful domestic market do not turn an international crossing into a domestic shopping trip.

Illustrative stock view of the Ambassador Bridge, a different Detroit–Windsor crossing from the tunnel in this report; not a seizure photograph. Photo: Hemz / Pexels.

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