Objective
This sample demonstrates the following MCST Terminal Performance Objectives:
- TPO 8 (primary) — Apply knowledge of historical and current laws, regulations, and policies to identify, analyze, and advocate for emerging issues related to medical cannabis and health.
- TPO 7 (secondary) — Participate in health policy decision-making processes by evaluating primary literature to assist policy makers and prescribers in making well-informed decisions about medical cannabis therapy.
- TPO 10 (secondary) — Demonstrate a commitment to excellence through continuing professional development and the education and training of patients, healthcare professionals, regulatory bodies, and other relevant stakeholders.
Context
This advocacy campaign deck was created for MCST 616: Medical Cannabis Advocacy for Patients and Public Health, Module 4. The assignment asked students to design a campaign on a current medical cannabis issue, including a campaign title or slogan with hashtag, and to produce a 7–10 slide deck covering purpose, background, partners, funding and resources, and call to action.
Description and Rationale
Drawing on primary literature, I designed the PEACE campaign to challenge the abstinence-only standard of care for cannabis use in pregnancy. I evaluated the evidence on prenatal cannabis use, weighing overstated cognitive-impairment claims against moderate-certainty findings on low birth weight and preterm birth. Building on that analysis, I called for three specific reforms. These targeted legal protections to shield patients from punishment for disclosure, policy to replace abstinence-only mandates with evidence-based guidance, and clinical guidelines to center harm reduction. Through tailored calls to action, I equipped clinicians, patients, policymakers, and the general public with the language and evidence to advocate for change.
I chose this sample because the abstinence-only approach delivers judgment and punishment instead of support, putting women and developing fetuses at risk. Until safeguards exist, the risk of talking honestly about cannabis use keeps patients from the treatment they deserve. Designing this campaign sharpened how I use research to support advocacy for evidence-based, patient-centered care in cannabis medicine.