By Sheldon Baker11.18.24
Emily Fisher is an entrepreneur and healthcare advocate dedicated to unlocking the potential of cannabis as medicine. As the founder and CEO of Leafwell, Fisher has not only made a considerable impact on the lives of those who have found solace in medical cannabis but has also played a significant role in changing public perception of this once-stigmatized plant. By continuing to push boundaries and challenge misconceptions, her work with Leafwell represents how passion and determination can lead to positive change in healthcare and beyond.
As a breast cancer survivor and medical cannabis patient, Fisher has experienced firsthand both the power and versatility of cannabis as a medicine and the need to further the science to understand how to use it efficaciously to unlock its therapeutic potential. With this personal insight, she founded Leafwell to increase patient access to medical cannabis and to gather real-world and clinical data to better understand how people can achieve their desired therapeutic goals. Under her leadership, Leafwell has grown into an industry-leading healthtech and data company that has successfully served over 400,000 patients across 37 states in the U.S.
Area Code 420 (AC 420): What was your goal in launching Leafwell?
Fisher: My goal in launching Leafwell was to expand access, education, and research into cannabis as a legitimate medical option so that millions more could experience the relief they need. Cannabis has incredible therapeutic potential, particularly for conditions related to pain, inflammation, neurological disorders, and mental health. At Leafwell, we often refer to it as a “pharmacy in a plant” because of its wide applicability across so many medical challenges. To date, we’ve supported hundreds of thousands of patients who have reported using cannabis for over 100 conditions, including chronic pain, cancer treatment side effects, mental health issues, insomnia, epilepsy, migraines, and Crohn’s disease, among others.
When I first started working with cannabis patients in 2016, many of the individuals I met had turned to cannabis as a last resort, often out of desperation. Their stories were deeply moving, and the profound impact cannabis had on their lives was undeniable. It quickly became clear that this wasn't just about offering relief; it was about overcoming decades of prohibition and misinformation that had kept so many from accessing this option earlier.
We launched Leafwell to make cannabis more accessible and to bridge the knowledge gap that exists due to its long-standing prohibition. This also means acknowledging that cannabis is not for everyone. Understanding its potential adverse events, risks, and drug interactions is a critical part of making cannabis more accessible. Our mission at Leafwell is not only to unlock its therapeutic benefits but to better understand its safety profile as a medicine. By making cannabis more accessible while following the science and collecting real-world data, we aim to deepen our understanding of its benefits and risks. Ultimately, we want to ensure that cannabis is recognized and used more widely as a legitimate medical option, while carefully considering its risks, to unlock its full potential to benefit countless more people.
AC 420: As a breast cancer survivor, how did cannabis help you and do you continue to use it?
Fisher: As a breast cancer survivor, I didn’t try cannabis until a few years after my diagnosis. Complications from my initial surgery led to a series of reconstructive surgeries — two per year over seven years. Unfortunately, about a year after I started working in the cannabis industry, I experienced another complication. I was bleeding internally and rushed to the ICU, where I received four blood transfusions and underwent another operation.
After that surgery, while I was on Dilaudid for pain, I decided to try cannabis because the pain was unbearable. I had some on hand from visiting dispensaries, and it felt like someone turned down the volume on my pain. It was remarkable. For several days, I didn’t need any additional painkillers. But after a few days, the pain came back, and I went to the dispensary to try other products. Unfortunately, none of them worked, and after taking too much of an edible and spending the night sick, I had to return to traditional painkillers, which had contributed to my previous complication.
This contrast between my first and second experiences with cannabis was striking. Cannabis is biphasic, meaning it can have different effects depending on the dosage and strain. While it worked wonders the first time, the second experience was the complete opposite. This highlighted the importance of knowing exactly what product and dosage a patient should take to achieve a desired outcome. This understanding has become central to our mission at Leafwell and helping patients find the right cannabis products for their individual needs.
Since then, I’ve learned to go slow, starting with lower doses and being open to experimenting with different products until I find what works best for my symptoms. Today, I incorporate cannabis into my overall health and wellness routine, using it to help with sleep, relaxation, and aches and pains. Unfortunately, living in the U.K. now, access to cannabis products isn’t as comprehensive as it is elsewhere.
Cannabis has been an incredibly valuable tool in my journey, but it’s important to approach it thoughtfully and carefully. That’s why at Leafwell, we prioritize patient education and personalized care, ensuring that patients are empowered to make informed decisions about their cannabis use.
AC 420: Provide an overview of Leafwell health services and what your mission is.
Fisher: At Leafwell, we connect individuals to a network of licensed and knowledgeable healthcare providers who specialize in medical cannabis and integrative care. Whether seeking certification for medical cannabis use or wanting to explore how cannabis can fit into a broader health and wellness regimen, Leafwell serves as a guide. Our platform allows patients to consult with medical professionals who understand the complexities of cannabis and can provide personalized education, care plans, and product recommendations tailored to each individual’s unique health needs.
We focus on empowering patients with the knowledge and support they need to confidently integrate cannabis into their treatment plans, ensuring it’s done safely and effectively. This includes helping patients navigate everything from dosage to understanding potential drug interactions, as well as offering ongoing support as they continue their journey with cannabis care.
Our mission is clear, we want cannabis to be accessible, effective, and personalized for everyone who can benefit from it. By demystifying cannabis and ensuring patients receive evidence-based care, we strive to help millions more find the relief they need. Whether it's managing chronic pain, mental health issues, or other conditions, Leafwell is dedicated to making cannabis a trusted and valuable part of healthcare.
AC 420: Are your services available nationwide and how do people gain access?
Fisher: Our services are available nationwide, and people can go to leafwell.com to access them.
AC 420: What is the versatility of cannabis as medicine for people suffering from various health conditions?
Fisher: Cannabis interacts with our endocannabinoid system (ECS), one of the body's essential systems, much like the nervous or cardiovascular systems. The ECS is a complex cell-signaling network found throughout the body and plays a vital role in regulating key physiological processes such as pain, mood, appetite, sleep, and immune response. This is what makes cannabis so versatile as a medicine, and by tapping into a system that influences many crucial functions, cannabis can help restore balance and promote homeostasis when these processes become imbalanced.
AC 420: What has your research/data shown about medical cannabis?
Fisher: Our research portfolio focuses on key aspects of medical cannabis. First, we explored who uses medical cannabis and for what conditions. In analyzing data from over 80,000 patients across 34 states in 2022, we found chronic pain and anxiety to be the leading reasons for seeking medical cannabis. Interestingly, many patients had multiple health conditions, suggesting their reasons for use are more complex than previously understood. This work was scheduled to be published in Population Medicine in October 2024.
Second, we examined how medical cannabis affects healthcare behaviors. A survey of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) patients asked whether they had changed their use of benzodiazepines and opioids, drugs known for their long-term risks, after starting medical cannabis. Over 65% reported reducing these medications, and among those, 45% had stopped using them altogether. This is significant as these drugs have large addiction potential and can be difficult to stop using.
We also recently completed a retrospective case-control study comparing long-term cannabis users (one year or more) with those who had never used it prior to obtaining a medical card. We found significant reductions in prior 6-month hospital admissions, ER visits, and urgent care visits among long-term users, highlighting the potential for reducing healthcare utilization and associated costs.
Lastly, we investigated the economic impact of medical cannabis. In a study published in Applied Health Economics and Health Policy, we found businesses in states with medical cannabis laws saw lower health insurance premiums compared to those without. If all states adopted similar laws, healthcare spending could potentially be reduced by $29.2 billion annually. Additionally, other ongoing research examines the cost-effectiveness of medical cannabis in treating moderate PTSD symptoms. We found that medical cannabis is likely cost-effective, especially if insurers are reimbursed for products like edibles, topicals, and oral solutions.
AC 420: What are your patients telling you about how cannabis has helped?
Fisher: Here are some quotes from our patients, which they have kindly given me permission to share.
"On a bad day, the pain could be a seven out of 10. Within an hour of consuming cannabis, it invariably will be a three out of 10. So, it makes a very, very large difference." – Matthew Engmann, medical cannabis patient with multiple sclerosis (MS)
"Cannabis isn’t a miracle drug, but it's a really effective one. It shouldn’t just be the last line of defense because it could really save you from a lot of other complications. We’re depriving people of this insane and drastic improvement to their quality of life, and that's a travesty." – Narmin Jarrous medical cannabis patient with Endometriosis using cannabis to manage pain and nausea associated with her condition
"If you're on the fence, I was, so I'm speaking from a place of understanding. I would find a friend who already has done this, and I would ask that person to go with you to a dispensary, and don't wait." – Carla Vergot medical cannabis patient for sleep disorders
AC 420: What is the current science saying about cannabis as medicine?
Fisher: The medicinal use of cannabis is gaining traction, with research supporting its effectiveness in managing a variety of conditions. One well-established use is in chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting, where traditional treatments often fall short. Cannabinoids such as THC and CBD offer a promising alternative, helping patients regain comfort during treatment and potentially preventing emergency visits. Cannabis also shows potential in treating PTSD, with studies suggesting it may regulate emotions and memory through its interaction with the endocannabinoid system, offering relief from anxiety, poor sleep, and nightmares where conventional therapies have failed.
Cannabis is also being used as an alternative to opioids for managing chronic pain, particularly neuropathic pain, by targeting the CB1 and CB2 receptors responsible for pain regulation. In conditions like epilepsy and MS, cannabis, especially CBD, has been groundbreaking, reducing seizures and alleviating symptoms like muscle spasticity. However, cannabis's Schedule I classification in the U.S. complicates clinical research, limiting randomized controlled trials and leaving gaps in our understanding of long-term safety and optimal dosing. Despite these challenges, real-world evidence and observational studies, like those by Leafwell, are helping to fill these gaps and guide informed decisions based on patient data.
About the Author: Sheldon Baker is a full-time freelance writer who covers health and wellness and other fun topics for Nutraceuticals World, Rodman Media, and other publications. He’s based in Northern California near Yosemite National Park, and enjoys exploring worldwide destinations, especially New York City, Mumbai, India, and Sydney, AU. He’s also happy to hang out at home with his wife and the many young foster children in their care. Follow him on Twitter @SCB3128 or send him an email at contact@the420areacode.com.
As a breast cancer survivor and medical cannabis patient, Fisher has experienced firsthand both the power and versatility of cannabis as a medicine and the need to further the science to understand how to use it efficaciously to unlock its therapeutic potential. With this personal insight, she founded Leafwell to increase patient access to medical cannabis and to gather real-world and clinical data to better understand how people can achieve their desired therapeutic goals. Under her leadership, Leafwell has grown into an industry-leading healthtech and data company that has successfully served over 400,000 patients across 37 states in the U.S.
Area Code 420 (AC 420): What was your goal in launching Leafwell?
Fisher: My goal in launching Leafwell was to expand access, education, and research into cannabis as a legitimate medical option so that millions more could experience the relief they need. Cannabis has incredible therapeutic potential, particularly for conditions related to pain, inflammation, neurological disorders, and mental health. At Leafwell, we often refer to it as a “pharmacy in a plant” because of its wide applicability across so many medical challenges. To date, we’ve supported hundreds of thousands of patients who have reported using cannabis for over 100 conditions, including chronic pain, cancer treatment side effects, mental health issues, insomnia, epilepsy, migraines, and Crohn’s disease, among others.
When I first started working with cannabis patients in 2016, many of the individuals I met had turned to cannabis as a last resort, often out of desperation. Their stories were deeply moving, and the profound impact cannabis had on their lives was undeniable. It quickly became clear that this wasn't just about offering relief; it was about overcoming decades of prohibition and misinformation that had kept so many from accessing this option earlier.
We launched Leafwell to make cannabis more accessible and to bridge the knowledge gap that exists due to its long-standing prohibition. This also means acknowledging that cannabis is not for everyone. Understanding its potential adverse events, risks, and drug interactions is a critical part of making cannabis more accessible. Our mission at Leafwell is not only to unlock its therapeutic benefits but to better understand its safety profile as a medicine. By making cannabis more accessible while following the science and collecting real-world data, we aim to deepen our understanding of its benefits and risks. Ultimately, we want to ensure that cannabis is recognized and used more widely as a legitimate medical option, while carefully considering its risks, to unlock its full potential to benefit countless more people.
AC 420: As a breast cancer survivor, how did cannabis help you and do you continue to use it?
Fisher: As a breast cancer survivor, I didn’t try cannabis until a few years after my diagnosis. Complications from my initial surgery led to a series of reconstructive surgeries — two per year over seven years. Unfortunately, about a year after I started working in the cannabis industry, I experienced another complication. I was bleeding internally and rushed to the ICU, where I received four blood transfusions and underwent another operation.
After that surgery, while I was on Dilaudid for pain, I decided to try cannabis because the pain was unbearable. I had some on hand from visiting dispensaries, and it felt like someone turned down the volume on my pain. It was remarkable. For several days, I didn’t need any additional painkillers. But after a few days, the pain came back, and I went to the dispensary to try other products. Unfortunately, none of them worked, and after taking too much of an edible and spending the night sick, I had to return to traditional painkillers, which had contributed to my previous complication.
This contrast between my first and second experiences with cannabis was striking. Cannabis is biphasic, meaning it can have different effects depending on the dosage and strain. While it worked wonders the first time, the second experience was the complete opposite. This highlighted the importance of knowing exactly what product and dosage a patient should take to achieve a desired outcome. This understanding has become central to our mission at Leafwell and helping patients find the right cannabis products for their individual needs.
Since then, I’ve learned to go slow, starting with lower doses and being open to experimenting with different products until I find what works best for my symptoms. Today, I incorporate cannabis into my overall health and wellness routine, using it to help with sleep, relaxation, and aches and pains. Unfortunately, living in the U.K. now, access to cannabis products isn’t as comprehensive as it is elsewhere.
Cannabis has been an incredibly valuable tool in my journey, but it’s important to approach it thoughtfully and carefully. That’s why at Leafwell, we prioritize patient education and personalized care, ensuring that patients are empowered to make informed decisions about their cannabis use.
AC 420: Provide an overview of Leafwell health services and what your mission is.
Fisher: At Leafwell, we connect individuals to a network of licensed and knowledgeable healthcare providers who specialize in medical cannabis and integrative care. Whether seeking certification for medical cannabis use or wanting to explore how cannabis can fit into a broader health and wellness regimen, Leafwell serves as a guide. Our platform allows patients to consult with medical professionals who understand the complexities of cannabis and can provide personalized education, care plans, and product recommendations tailored to each individual’s unique health needs.
We focus on empowering patients with the knowledge and support they need to confidently integrate cannabis into their treatment plans, ensuring it’s done safely and effectively. This includes helping patients navigate everything from dosage to understanding potential drug interactions, as well as offering ongoing support as they continue their journey with cannabis care.
Our mission is clear, we want cannabis to be accessible, effective, and personalized for everyone who can benefit from it. By demystifying cannabis and ensuring patients receive evidence-based care, we strive to help millions more find the relief they need. Whether it's managing chronic pain, mental health issues, or other conditions, Leafwell is dedicated to making cannabis a trusted and valuable part of healthcare.
AC 420: Are your services available nationwide and how do people gain access?
Fisher: Our services are available nationwide, and people can go to leafwell.com to access them.
AC 420: What is the versatility of cannabis as medicine for people suffering from various health conditions?
Fisher: Cannabis interacts with our endocannabinoid system (ECS), one of the body's essential systems, much like the nervous or cardiovascular systems. The ECS is a complex cell-signaling network found throughout the body and plays a vital role in regulating key physiological processes such as pain, mood, appetite, sleep, and immune response. This is what makes cannabis so versatile as a medicine, and by tapping into a system that influences many crucial functions, cannabis can help restore balance and promote homeostasis when these processes become imbalanced.
AC 420: What has your research/data shown about medical cannabis?
Fisher: Our research portfolio focuses on key aspects of medical cannabis. First, we explored who uses medical cannabis and for what conditions. In analyzing data from over 80,000 patients across 34 states in 2022, we found chronic pain and anxiety to be the leading reasons for seeking medical cannabis. Interestingly, many patients had multiple health conditions, suggesting their reasons for use are more complex than previously understood. This work was scheduled to be published in Population Medicine in October 2024.
Second, we examined how medical cannabis affects healthcare behaviors. A survey of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) patients asked whether they had changed their use of benzodiazepines and opioids, drugs known for their long-term risks, after starting medical cannabis. Over 65% reported reducing these medications, and among those, 45% had stopped using them altogether. This is significant as these drugs have large addiction potential and can be difficult to stop using.
We also recently completed a retrospective case-control study comparing long-term cannabis users (one year or more) with those who had never used it prior to obtaining a medical card. We found significant reductions in prior 6-month hospital admissions, ER visits, and urgent care visits among long-term users, highlighting the potential for reducing healthcare utilization and associated costs.
Lastly, we investigated the economic impact of medical cannabis. In a study published in Applied Health Economics and Health Policy, we found businesses in states with medical cannabis laws saw lower health insurance premiums compared to those without. If all states adopted similar laws, healthcare spending could potentially be reduced by $29.2 billion annually. Additionally, other ongoing research examines the cost-effectiveness of medical cannabis in treating moderate PTSD symptoms. We found that medical cannabis is likely cost-effective, especially if insurers are reimbursed for products like edibles, topicals, and oral solutions.
AC 420: What are your patients telling you about how cannabis has helped?
Fisher: Here are some quotes from our patients, which they have kindly given me permission to share.
"On a bad day, the pain could be a seven out of 10. Within an hour of consuming cannabis, it invariably will be a three out of 10. So, it makes a very, very large difference." – Matthew Engmann, medical cannabis patient with multiple sclerosis (MS)
"Cannabis isn’t a miracle drug, but it's a really effective one. It shouldn’t just be the last line of defense because it could really save you from a lot of other complications. We’re depriving people of this insane and drastic improvement to their quality of life, and that's a travesty." – Narmin Jarrous medical cannabis patient with Endometriosis using cannabis to manage pain and nausea associated with her condition
"If you're on the fence, I was, so I'm speaking from a place of understanding. I would find a friend who already has done this, and I would ask that person to go with you to a dispensary, and don't wait." – Carla Vergot medical cannabis patient for sleep disorders
AC 420: What is the current science saying about cannabis as medicine?
Fisher: The medicinal use of cannabis is gaining traction, with research supporting its effectiveness in managing a variety of conditions. One well-established use is in chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting, where traditional treatments often fall short. Cannabinoids such as THC and CBD offer a promising alternative, helping patients regain comfort during treatment and potentially preventing emergency visits. Cannabis also shows potential in treating PTSD, with studies suggesting it may regulate emotions and memory through its interaction with the endocannabinoid system, offering relief from anxiety, poor sleep, and nightmares where conventional therapies have failed.
Cannabis is also being used as an alternative to opioids for managing chronic pain, particularly neuropathic pain, by targeting the CB1 and CB2 receptors responsible for pain regulation. In conditions like epilepsy and MS, cannabis, especially CBD, has been groundbreaking, reducing seizures and alleviating symptoms like muscle spasticity. However, cannabis's Schedule I classification in the U.S. complicates clinical research, limiting randomized controlled trials and leaving gaps in our understanding of long-term safety and optimal dosing. Despite these challenges, real-world evidence and observational studies, like those by Leafwell, are helping to fill these gaps and guide informed decisions based on patient data.
About the Author: Sheldon Baker is a full-time freelance writer who covers health and wellness and other fun topics for Nutraceuticals World, Rodman Media, and other publications. He’s based in Northern California near Yosemite National Park, and enjoys exploring worldwide destinations, especially New York City, Mumbai, India, and Sydney, AU. He’s also happy to hang out at home with his wife and the many young foster children in their care. Follow him on Twitter @SCB3128 or send him an email at contact@the420areacode.com.
