A discussion with medical professionals titled “Understanding the dynamics of cannabis use, cultivation, legalisation, and popularization” was successfully held on 25th April 2023 at Auditorium of the Sri Lanka Medical Association. The discussion was organised by the Centre for Combating Tobacco (CCT) and Sri Lanka Medical Association (SLMA), in partnership with Alcohol and Drug Information Centre (ADIC) and Young Professionals’ Alliance for Health (YouPAH) to widen the understanding of the medical professionals on issue.
Dr. Vinya Ariyaratne, President of SLMA and Mr. Shakya Nanayakkara, Chairperson of National Dangerous Drugs Control Board made the opening remarks. Objectives of the discussion and the plan for the day were explained by Dr. Mahesh Rajasuriya, Director of CCT. Dr. Padma Gunaratne, past president of SLMA, Dr. Nimal Karunathilaka, retired Ayurvedic Commissioner, Dr. Vajira Senevirathne, Ayurvedic Phamacologist, Dr. Manuja Perera, Editor of TobaccoUnmasked, Mr. Sampath De Saram, Executive Director of ADIC, Dr. Sajeewa Ranaweera, a member of SLMA expert committee, Dr. Jayamal De Silva, a member of SLMA expert committee, Prof. Narada Warnasuriya, President of SLMA expert committee and Prof. Diyanath Samarasinghe also spoke at the event. Representatives from Colleges of Psychiatrists, Paediatricians, Neurologists and Community physicians, representatives from Ayurvedic medicine and civil organisations participated at the event.