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Associated Press
19-02-2025
- Health
- Associated Press
Compassion Center Calls for Media Accountability Amid Ongoing DEA Cannabis Rescheduling Hearings
Compassion Center urges media outlets to report accurately on the DEA's active cannabis rescheduling hearings, emphasizing the importance of factual coverage during this pivotal regulatory process. Suggesting that the hearing is cancelled is a lie. Misinformation like this risks undermining patient access, public trust, and informed policymaking as the DEA evaluates moving cannabis to a Schedule III substance under the Controlled Substances Act (CSA). Compassion Center remains committed to providing expert insights and advocating for patie HILLSBORO, OREGON / ACCESS Newswire / February 19, 2025 / The Glocal Cannabis Nursing Institute (GCNI) and Compassion Center, the nation's oldest federally recognized nonprofit medical cannabis clinic system, calls upon media outlets to uphold journalistic integrity and report accurately on the Drug Enforcement Administration's (DEA) ongoing hearings regarding the potential rescheduling of cannabis to a Schedule III substance under the Controlled Substances Act (CSA).Nurse Julie Monteiro and Dr David Bearman Nurse Julie Monteiro Educating Sheriff Despite official confirmations that the DEA hearing process is well underway, recent media reports have contained inaccuracies that risk misleading the public, policymakers, and healthcare professionals. These proceedings are a critical step in determining the future accessibility and regulation of cannabis for medical use. Misinformation surrounding this issue creates unnecessary confusion, erodes public trust, and hampers informed decision-making, while limiting the people the opportunity to stand up and make their voices heard. 'The DEA's rescheduling hearings are not speculative-they are active, documented processes with significant implications for millions of patients and providers,' stated Jason Greninger, Vice President of Legislative Advocacy for Compassion Center. 'We urge the media to verify information directly with regulatory sources, including the DEA and all other involved legal bodies, rather than relying on hearsay or incomplete accounts.' The rescheduling process follows a structured protocol involving scientific evaluation from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), public commentary periods, and thorough regulatory review. Media outlets reporting premature conclusions or false facts like 'The DEA Hearing Has Been Canceled' are further misrepresenting the timeline, undermining this process and eroding all our public understandings. Compassion Center emphasizes that while no final decision has been reached, the hearings mark a pivotal point in the evolving landscape of cannabis regulation. Patients need to stand up and let their voices be heard, schedule a conference with their state and federal reps and be the change we all need to see in the world. 'Accurate information is not just a journalistic responsibility-it's a duty towards public service,' added James B. Creel, PgM, Chairman of the Board. 'Misreporting on something as consequential as cannabis scheduling could have real-world consequences for patients who depend on this medicine, as well as for healthcare providers navigating compliance issues. This is not the time to be spinning anything' The Glocal Cannabis Nursing Institute and Compassion Center are actively engaged in these regulatory developments, advocating for patient-centered policies that ensure access to safe, effective, and affordable treatments. The organization encourages journalists to consult credible sources and avoid sensationalism that detracts from the facts at hand. For those seeking accurate, up-to-date information on the DEA rescheduling process, Compassion Center remains available to provide expert insight and clarity. About Compassion Center Clinics Compassion Center is a leading integrative healthcare and mental health organization dedicated to evidence-based therapy, including medical cannabis, psychedelics, and other natural medicines. By educating providers and patients, Compassion Center is raising the standards of care, affordability, and access. Starting out as a medical cannabis clinic, today Compassion Center is the oldest federally-recognized medical management organization in the U.S. Specializing in medical cannabis clinics and psychedelic groups and retreats, expanding into integrative healthcare, mental health, prosthetics and audiology in order to bridge patients in underserved populations with a higher standard of care and an improved quality of life. About Compassion Center, the Parent Organization Founded in 2001, Compassion Center is the oldest federally recognized nonprofit medical cannabis clinic system in the United States, dedicated to advancing integrative healthcare, mental health, and patient advocacy. Our mission is to bridge the gap between advancing evidence-based therapies and patient-centered care, ensuring that all individuals- regardless of income, background, or diagnosis- have access to safe, effective, and affordable treatment options. That goes beyond medical cannabis recommendations, too. For over two decades, Compassion Center has led the way in medical cannabis advocacy, education, and clinical services, integrating endocannabinology, mental health, pain management, and holistic wellness into modern healthcare. Our pop-up and in-person clinics, along with telemedicine services, ensure that patients in Oregon, 18 other states and growing, receive the highest standard of compassionate, evidence-based care. What We Do: Comprehensive Clinical Services - We provide integrative healthcare solutions for patients with chronic conditions, pain management needs, mental health concerns, and complex diagnoses, offering alternative therapies that go beyond conventional medicine. Patient Advocacy & Legal Support - We fight for patients' rights by working with State legislators, government agencies, and legal professionals to ensure that medical cannabis users are protected under state and federal laws. From court-related Amicus Briefs to aiding with expert testimony in family law cases, Compassion Center is a trusted advocate for patients navigating medical and legal challenges revolving around using medical cannabis. Interprofessional Continuing Medical Education (IPCE) - In partnership with educators at the Integrative Providers Association (IPA) and other trusted organizations, the Compassion Center educates healthcare providers on medical cannabis, alternative pain management, and integrative therapies, ensuring that today's clinicians, located all across the country are well-versed and well-equipped to serve their patients, naturally. Innovative Programs - Compassion Center is a proud partner of an initiative that turns medical education into direct patient care. Through this disruptively innovative program, licensed providers give back to underserved communities while fulfilling their continuing education requirements-helping thousands of patients at no cost. Pioneering Research & Development - Our collaboration with the Center for Incubation & Findings Research (CIFR) and their Community-Based Clinical Cannabis Evaluation & Research Network (CBCCERN) and Glocal Cannabis Nursing Institute (GCNI), ensures that our clinical services and educational programs remain grounded in compassion, science and real-world outcomes. Why It Matters: Since our founding, Compassion Center has saved local taxpayers millions of dollars by reducing uncompensated care costs- while helping patients find effective, non-opioid treatment options- alleviating the strain on emergency rooms and public health systems. By integrating research, education, and clinical services, we're not just treating diseases or their associated symptoms-we're changing the standards of care for future generations. We are more than a clinic. We are a movement. Whether through community outreach, legislative advocacy, or cutting-edge research, Compassion Center and our group of entities and organizations are dedicated to reshaping healthcare into a more inclusive, affordable, and patient-centered system. The Glocal Cannabis Nursing Institute (GCNI) is a global leader in cannabis nursing education, research, and patient advocacy, equipping nurses and healthcare professionals with the knowledge and tools necessary to integrate endocannabinology into evidence-based patient care. Through fellowships, interprofessional education programs, and clinical and residency training programs, GCNI empowers providers worldwide to bridge the gap between traditional medicine and cannabinoid therapeutics, ensuring safe, informed, and compassionate patient care. 844-842-COMPASSION Ext 1 Related Images
Associated Press
29-01-2025
- Health
- Associated Press
Integrative Providers Association (IPA) and Compassion Center Call on U.S. Senate to Fast Track Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s Confirmation
Integrative Providers Association, a 501(c)(6) Professional Membership Organization Speaking on Behalf of Over 14 Million Integrative Healthcare Practitioners, and the Compassion Center, Proudly Champions 'Secretary Kennedy' as a Maverick in Holistic Health and Nutrition, Urging Our U.S. Senators to Expedite Confirmation In The Name of Wellness. IPA Members Support Robert F. Kennedy's Agenda to Redirect Healthcare In The United States LAS VEGAS, NEVADA / ACCESS Newswire / January 29, 2025 / The Integrative Providers Association (IPA), represents the collective voices of over 14 million integrative healthcare practitioners Nationwide, today announces its strong endorsement of Robert F. Kennedy Jr. for swift confirmation by the U.S. Senate. The IPA firmly believes that those who are standing in the way of Secretary-Designate Kennedy's appointment continue to represent the old guard who continue to push our country further and further from an existence rooted in health and wholeness. IPA feels Secretary Kennedy's proven commitment to our holistic and preventive health care will transform our Nation's current disease management model and place patient well-being at the forefront of our National healthcare policy- something that has been lacking for far too Julie Monteiro, RN, BSK 'America is at a critical juncture in healthcare,' says Julie Monteiro, RN, BSK , Board President of the IPA. 'For too long, our healthcare systems have focused on disease management rather than true prevention and integrative solutions. Secretary Kennedy has proven himself a maverick by championing nutrition-based interventions and evidence-informed holistic care. He has never shied away from standing up for his beliefs, which many of our members feel surpasses the efforts of his predecessors in recent memory. Fast-tracking his confirmation is not just a political matter; it's a bipartisan opportunity to protect the health and future of our children and grandchildren.' As a national organization dedicated to advancing integrative medicine, the IPA has witnessed firsthand the limitations of a purely pharmacologically driven approach. Our interprofessional membership-encompassing allopathic and naturopathic physicians, functional medicine and Ayurvedic practitioners, nurse practitioners, holistic nurses, nutritionists, and wellness coaches-works collectively to create a sustainable healthcare paradigm that emphasizes wellness optimization, addressing root causes rather than merely suppressing the symptoms. James B. Creel, PgM , Board Secretary of the IPA, emphasizes that time is of the essence. 'Our society is experiencing unprecedented rates of chronic disease and intractable conditions-from diabetes to heart disease and hypertension, the problems range from physical to mental health challenges-all of which require a proactive, integrative response. We feel Secretary Kennedy's leadership in advocating for cleaner environments, better nutrition, and patient empowerment aligns perfectly with the IPA's mission. We urge the Senate to act swiftly so Secretary Kennedy can begin driving meaningful reforms that put Americans back on the path to true health.' The IPA stands united in its call for immediate Senate action, citing the urgent need to address chronic diseases with strategies that transcend traditional disease management. By confirming Secretary Kennedy, lawmakers would pave the way for a comprehensive national health policy that harnesses the power of integrative approaches, including nutrition, lifestyle medicine, and patient education. 'This is an opportunity to protect our future generations from the spiraling costs of healthcare and the personal burdens associated with chronic illness,' Monteiro adds. 'Secretary Kennedy has demonstrated the vision and courage needed to spark real change. It's time to confirm him and let him get to work making Americans healthy again.' Putting our time and money where our heart is, Integrative Providers Associated partnered with the Compassion Center to create the Free Clinic Day to serve underserved populations with free healthcare by converting continuing medical education into a disruptive model that simultaneously addresses uncompensated care and the opioid epidemic. This model has served thousands since its inception, and saved taxpayers millions of dollars so it is important to continue investing into, and listening to, those that are making a real difference. For more information on the Compassion Center and its mission to educate, advocate and innovate on behalf of a better tomorrow, visit For more information on the Integrative Providers Association and its mission to champion integrative healthcare solutions, please visit About the Integrative Providers Association (IPA) The Integrative Providers Association (IPA) is a leading voice for over 14 million integrative healthcare practitioners across the United States. The organization discovers, educates, unites and empowers its members as it advocates for patient-centered, holistic approaches to health and wellness that address the root causes of disease and prioritize prevention. IPA's diverse membership includes naturopathic doctors, functional medicine practitioners, holistic nurses, nutritionists, and other professionals committed to transforming the nation's healthcare system. Sophaur One Director of Communications [email protected] 844-842-2667 Ext 1 James Garvey 844-842-COMPASSION Ext 1
