Dr. Safiya K. Lyn-Lassiter, MD

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In the Weeds: Managing Cannabis-Related Emergencies in Medical Practice

Dr. Safiya K. Lyn-Lassiter, MD., Founder, Ask Doctor Lyn

Medical Director, EDEN Florida, LLC

Emergency Medicine Physician, HCA University Hospital

As more states shift to legalize the use of cannabis products (medical and recreational), there has been an increase in medical harms witnessed in the emergency department (ED). Patients are increasingly seeking medical alternatives and adjunct therapy like cannabis for symptomatic relief of chronic pain, managing anxiety, increasing appetite, and mental wellness.  Most patient adverse reactions are seen in children and the elderly.  It is critically important for medical professionals and patients to understand the potency of cannabis products for safe and responsible consumption. Proper education for physicians and patients may avoid unnecessary emergency department evaluations. The goal of this presentation is to provide a comprehensive overview of the most common cannabis cases seen in the emergency department through the lens of the National Poison Control Center. 

Learning Objectives:

• Identify trends in emergency department cannabis related cases in medical (38 states) vs recreational (24 states).
• Understand top seven cannabis complications that can present in the ED.
• Discuss strategies to avoid emergency room visit for cannabis related side effects.
• Recognize the Federal Health and Human Services Department responsibility to educate the community about the effects of cannabis. 

Dr. Safiya Lyn-Lassiter is an Integrative Medical Cannabis and Emergency Medicine physician and has earned certifications in Medical Cannabis Recommending Physician and Medical Marijuana Treatment Center Director. 

In 2016, Dr. Lyn joined the growing debate over medicinal marijuana (MMJ) use among Florida residents. She quickly identified an information gap - the community needed to broaden its understanding of cannabis’ medicinal properties. As a result, she created the company Ask Doctor Lyn and its user-friendly website to identify, evaluate and recommend MMJ to qualifying patients. Her medical knowledge, progressive approach to pain management and digital media presence distinguishes her as one of the national leading voices for medicinal cannabis policy reform.

In 2022, Dr. Lyn was a part of a distinguished team that applied for the coveted Pigford Medical Cannabis Treatment Center License in Florida. This license was awarded in early 2024 and she now serves as the Medical Director for Eden Florida Cannabis (formally Willard Meeks).  Her goal is to continue to advocate for the benefits of medical cannabis and promote awareness and education in the community by overseeing clean manufacturing, production and distribution of cannabis compliant with Florida’s stringent regulatory requirements.