Pubdate: Tue, 06 Sep 2016 Source: Penticton Herald (CN BC) Copyright: 2016 The Okanagan Valley Group of Newspapers Contact: http://www.pentictonherald.ca/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/664 Author: Susan McIver Page: A5 GETTING HELP, NOT HIGH Dr. David Hepburn to speak in Penticton on Sept.14 about benefits of cannabis Cannabis can be an effective medication when properly prescribed says UBC medical instructor, syndicated columnist and physician for the Olympic Games, Dr. David Hepburn. "I used to be opposed to it (medical cannabis) as everyone else, but I was open-minded and I listened to patients. I've learned from them. They're interested in getting help, not high," Hepburn said. The Victoria-based physician will be in Penticton on Wednesday, Sept. 14, speaking on the appropriate use and legal aspects of medical cannabis. Hepburn has travelled the world studying natural plant medicines and now gives presentations on medical cannabis to the medical community and general public. He will be joined by David Hutchinson, who will speak about the science behind medical cannabis and tell his own story. "Kyla's Quest is proud to present the talks as part of our ongoing series of public education events," said Elaine Nuessler. Kyla's Quest is a non-profit organization with the goal of providing information, support and funds for those who may benefit from medical cannabis. The group was named in honour of Kyla Williams, Elaine's four-and-a-half -year-old granddaughter who has intractable (pharmaceutical resistant) epilepsy and was suffering hundreds of seizures a day until she was treated with cannabis oil. "Kyla has shown amazing progress, but we know she'll always have special needs and there will be difficult times. We're thankful for each day with Kyla," said grandfather Chris Nuessler. "We want to provide information that will help people find the answers to the particular conditions facing their families," said Elaine, who gets phone calls daily from parents of children with seizures, seniors suffering from arthritis pain and other adults with a variety of maladies. The scientific and medical information about medical cannabis is exploding and the legal aspects at all levels of government are evolving rapidly. "I certainly don't have all the answers, but I can help point people to where they can find them-if they exist," Elaine said. Kyla's family are strong advocates for rigorous scientific and clinical investigations to determine the exact composition and concentration of each of the many compounds in the various strains of the marijuana plant and their effectiveness in treatment. "We would like to see physicians become more knowledgeable about medical cannabis in order to help their patients make the best choices and politicians to educate themselves so they can enact appropriate legislation," Elaine said. "Is Medical Cannabis Right for You?" Penticton Convention Centre, 283 Power Street, Wednesday, Sept. 14 at 7 p.m. Doors open at 6 p.m. Music by Sedona, silent auction, refreshments. Tickets $15, $12 for seniors. In advance at the Dragon's Den, The Beanery and from Nuessler (250) 488-2001. Or pay at the door. All proceeds to Kyla's Quest. Sponsored by Starbuds Penticton, Purefarma Solutions and Unlimited Vision Photography & Graphics. - --- MAP posted-by: Matt