Richard Zwicky interviewed Chris DeVol, founder of MM411, about her journey into the medical cannabis industry. Inspired by personal experiences and the need for better cannabis education and prescribing guidelines, Chris co-founded MM411 in 2009 after witnessing cannabis relieve Greg’s grandmother’s suffering. Their science-based approach, supported by research and patient stories, attracted a global audience, leading to significant growth, including over a million Facebook followers by 2014. Chris and her husband moved to Washington to benefit from new certification requirements for budtenders and medically endorsed dispensaries, addressing the gap in physician training.
Chris and Richard discussed the lack of education on the endocannabinoid system in medical schools, which hinders healthcare professionals from recommending cannabis. Chris highlighted a partnership with Dr. Ethan Russo and Credo Science to preserve and share Russo’s research. They addressed the challenges of rescheduling cannabis, emphasizing the need for accessible, credible information.
Chris outlined MM411’s expansion plans, focusing on education and certification, with successful ventures in international markets like Japan and upcoming partnerships in Europe and Latin America. She emphasized the importance of building a community around medical categories and the company’s history of self-funding and dedication. Richard agreed, underscoring the necessity of education and certification in the medical sector.
The conversation touched on the limitations and considerations of cannabis as a medical tool, emphasizing proper dosing and doctor education. They explored telehealth’s potential and the challenge of integrating cannabis education into medical school curriculums. Chris shared insights from discussions with Dr. Russo.
Richard and Chris discussed the pharmaceutical industry’s challenges, particularly in the US, highlighting the need for pharmaceutical-grade standards and preparation for regulatory changes. They agreed that companies adapting to these changes through education and compliance will thrive.
Both advocated for standardized education and certification in the cannabis industry to ensure safe, high-quality medical products. They stressed the importance of data for evidence-based outcomes and revealed MM411’s involvement in drafting global standards through their ASTM membership. They called for further standardization, physician education, and patient awareness, especially concerning psychedelics.