Forum on Adult-Use Cannabis and What Physicians Need to Know Set for August 16

August 3, 2023

On August 16 at noon, the MMA will present a virtual panel discussion on adult-use cannabis and what physicians need to know about its legalization.  

Attendees will have an opportunity to learn more about the goals of the new Office of Cannabis Management, which include 1) ensuring that access to medical cannabis is not disrupted; and 2) working with communities as they think through their policies to protect people from exposure to smoke or vaping.   

In addition, the forum will help answer questions that physicians may have now that an illicit drug has been legalized – and what that means for how they treat patients who are 1) thinking about using cannabis; 2) are currently using cannabis; or 3) who may be dealing with a substance use disorder.   

Confirmed panelists for the forum include: Charlene Briner, implementation director at the state's Office of Cannabis Management, and Sheila Specker, MD, associate professor, addiction psychiatrist, program director for the Addiction Medicine Fellowship in the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at the University of Minnesota.  The moderator will be Nicholas Lehnertz, MD, MPH, MHS, medical specialist 2, Infectious Disease Epidemiology, Prevention and Control at the Minnesota Department of Health. 

For more information and to register, click here.  

 Other upcoming forums include:   

  • Wednesday, August 30: What You Need to Know About Peer Review in Minnesota – Register 

There is no charge for MMA members (cost for non-members is $20). 

Latest News

Allina Health Physicians Vote to Authorize Strike

July 9, 2026

More than 130 Allina Health hospital physicians represented by Doctors Council SEIU voted last week, by a 90% margin, to authorize a strike after nearly two years of bargaining.  

MMA Launches New Program to Strengthen Physician Well-being

July 9, 2026

The MMA is launching a new program, exclusive to members, to strengthen physician well-being, reduce professional isolation, build a culture of connection, and foster sustained peer connections over time.  

State Pursuing Medicaid Expansion to Treat Incarcerated People

July 9, 2026

Minnesota is pursuing a new initiative that, if approved by the federal government, will allow state Medicaid programs to cover certain behavioral health services and medical care for chronic health conditions for incarcerated people, for up to 90 days before release.