Hopegrown is proud to welcome Dr. Lakisha Jenkins! Her experience is extensive and encompasses time as a Traditional Naturopath and Registered Herbalist (Traditional Medicine) with a focus on Herbalism, Holistic Nutrition, and Medical Cannabis Education. We were lucky to have her join our conversation.
As a traditional Naturopath, registered master herbalist and teacher of endogenous cannabinoid system education my core competencies include using herbs as the basis of nutrition to combat the symptoms of chronic, degenerative and terminal illness.
Specialties include medical cannabis education, endogenous cannabinoid system balancing and cancer prevention.
I have been involved in the medical cannabis industry since 2006. I became a Founding Board Member and first elected President of the California Cannabis Industry Association in 2012 and served on the National Cannabis Industry Association Board (2013-2015) as the California State Representative and the founding Chair of their Minority Business Council.
I have worked to ensure all people have the right to choose medical options; traditional, alternative, or otherwise that support their health and healing journey.
What is your personal story, that motivated the person you are today breaking barriers as a cannabis pioneer?
My story: When my eldest child was diagnosed with brain cancer, it made me realize that alternative therapy options were important.
In my research I learned of the function and physiology of the endogenous cannabinoid system and realized that it was the key to health and wellness. That is where my personal journey working with cannabis began.
Do you think cannabis education for medical professionals and healthcare providers is lacking?
Cannabis education for medical professionals is sorely lacking. Unfortunately, most health care providers lack basic knowledge of the existence of the endogenous cannabinoid system. This creates a health disparity because of lack of information. There are no clear guidelines for delivery methods or dosing for providers to follow.
What kind of cannabis research is essential that has not been covered yet?
The type of research that needs to be done is to identify the number of endogenous cannabinoids that are required for optimal human function so that accurate dosing on nutritional supplementation can be a reality.
Where do you see medicinal cannabis in the next few years?
I see medical cannabis where it is now in 5 years’ time. Research is slow coming and there is an entire world that needs to develop guidelines and standards around cultivation, manufacturing of products, distribution and the regulatory schemes around those area that make global trade a possibility.
What advice would you give to a new cannabis user?
My best advice for the first-time cannabis user is to start slow. I am a proponent of micro-doses. Taking less than 25mg per dose helps to mitigate risk of adverse reactions due to the psychoactive components. With that being said, I also want to stress that nutritional supplementation of the eCS is necessary. New users should identify what product, in what dose and with what delivery method suits them based on the micro dose model.
