TIMMEN CERMAK
MARIJUANA INFO
When California was the first state to permit the medical use of marijuana law in 1996, Dr. Cermak emerged as the leader of the California Society of Addiction Medicine (CSAM) on this important issue. He has closely followed the basic research and and clinical literature on cannabis and the brain’s natural marijuana-like chemistry for the past 18 years. His lectures to CSAM have helped keep members aware of discoveries about potential medical uses, the development of dependence and withdrawal, and the special vulnerabilities of children and adolescents to excessive marijuana use.
While the research about marijuana and its impact on the brain has made exhilarating progress, it remains difficult to create reasonable dialogue about public policy governing the drug. Dr. Cermak has been outspoken on both fronts, promoting better understanding of the science of marijuana and calling for progress toward more rational, pragmatic Public Health oriented marijuana policy. His first book on marijuana addressed parents to help them sort myths about marijuana from scientifically established realities, and to guide them toward healthy reactions to youth who have become harmfully involved with the drug. He is currently working on a book for therapists and counselors with the working title Out of the Cloud: Treating Marijuana Users.
The following pages provide examples of his writing on several aspects of the marijuana issue.
When California was the first state to permit the medical use of marijuana law in 1996, Dr. Cermak emerged as the leader of the California Society of Addiction Medicine (CSAM) on this important issue. He has closely followed the basic research and and clinical literature on cannabis and the brain’s natural marijuana-like chemistry for the past 18 years. His lectures to CSAM have helped keep members aware of discoveries about potential medical uses, the development of dependence and withdrawal, and the special vulnerabilities of children and adolescents to excessive marijuana use.
While the research about marijuana and its impact on the brain has made exhilarating progress, it remains difficult to create reasonable dialogue about public policy governing the drug. Dr. Cermak has been outspoken on both fronts, promoting better understanding of the science of marijuana and calling for progress toward more rational, pragmatic Public Health oriented marijuana policy. His first book on marijuana addressed parents to help them sort myths about marijuana from scientifically established realities, and to guide them toward healthy reactions to youth who have become harmfully involved with the drug. He is currently working on a book for therapists and counselors with the working title Out of the Cloud: Treating Marijuana Users.
The following pages provide examples of his writing on several aspects of the marijuana issue.