Educators advancing knowledge in Cannabinoid Therapy.

Trained originally as an optometrist, after 15 years in clinical practice Kylie career-changed to Chinese medicine, developing a career as an academic and later holding senior administrative roles in universities and private education institutions.

She entered the medicinal cannabis industry in 2018, where she became one of Australia's leading doctor educators, creating the first medicinal cannabis courses to receive Category 1 CPD approval from the Royal Australasian College of General Practitioners. She is actively involved in clinical research into medicinal cannabis, and has authored three books — one on integrative oncology and two on medicinal cannabis (mental health, women's health) — all published by Springer.

She is an Adjunct Professor at Torrens University and an Adjunct Associate Professor at NICM Health Research Institute (Western Sydney University), a member of the Australian government's TEQSA Expert Panel, and sits on the Policy and Regulation Committee of the Federation of International Hemp Organisations (FIHO).

Dr. Shabnam Sarshar is a phytopharmacist and women's health strategist specializing in cannabinoid science and female-specific physiology. With a PhD in Pharmaceutical Biology and Phytochemistry, and certifications in Endocannabinoid Medicine and Natural Women's Medicine, she has spent over a decade working across pharmaceutical research, medical advisory, and women's health entrepreneurship.

Her work translates complex hormonal and sex-specific biological mechanisms into clinically actionable insights for research, product development, and medical education. She advises medical and wellness companies on women-focused innovation, bringing a rigorous, evidence-based lens to the rapidly evolving field of cannabinoid therapeutics.

She is the founder of The Recalibration, a platform redefining midlife as a biological recalibration, not a decline. Her teaching bridges molecular pharmacology with practical clinical application, with a particular focus on the endocannabinoid system, hormonal health, and the development of cannabinoid-based interventions for women.

A/Prof Janet Schloss has a background as a naturopath and clinical nutritionist and completed her PhD at the School of Medicine, University of Queensland. She has worked extensively conducting clinical trials and led one of the world’s first trials on cannabis and brain cancer, as well as the largest cannabis and sleep trial in Australia.

In addition to her research, Janet has maintained a private practice for over 25 years, predominantly in oncology. She has focused on oncology for more than 20 years and works closely with medical oncologists, radiation oncologists and surgeons. She brings extensive knowledge of trial design, trial implementation, and both quantitative and qualitative research, alongside deep industry experience.

She regularly presents at conferences in Australia and worldwide and has over 80 peer-reviewed published journal articles to date.

Dr Philip Blair is a family physician and consultant in complex disease management based in the Pacific Northwest of the United States. A graduate of West Point (1972) and the University of Miami School of Medicine (1978), he trained in family medicine and served as a combat physician in the 1990–91 Gulf War, retiring after 25 years in uniform with medical assignments across three continents.

Since 2014, Dr Blair has studied, treated, written and lectured internationally on cannabidiol and the human endocannabinoid system (ECS), consulting with patients, families and professionals worldwide. His clinical focus is restoring health and performance by enhancing ECS function, whose dysfunction appears closely associated with the full range of chronic illness.

In 2021 he co-authored Medicinal Cannabis and CBD in Mental Healthcare and developed BCPlus, an oral non-cannabis CB2 receptor activator derived from caryophyllene.

Daniel Gana is a pharmaceutical microbiologist and cannabis educator specializing in the antimicrobial potential of plant-based compounds and cannabinoid science. With an M.Sc in Pharmaceutical Microbiology and over seven years of hands-on experience with the cannabis plant, he bridges the gap between bench research and public understanding.

His work spans antimicrobial research on medicinal plants and cannabis-derived compounds, alongside compliance education for wellness companies and research teams. He distills dense scientific jargon into accessible language, helping organizations improve regulatory compliance while deepening their grasp of minor cannabinoids and the full therapeutic spectrum of the plant.

Through teaching and advisory work, Daniel equips both industry professionals and community groups with the evidence-based literacy needed to navigate cannabis science with confidence, grounding every conversation in microbiological rigor and a deep respect for the plant's pharmacological complexity.

Dr Adam Abodeely is a double board-certified general and colorectal surgeon, physician executive, educator and entrepreneur whose work bridges conventional medicine, cannabinoid science, gastrointestinal health and integrative wellness.

He serves as President-elect and a board member of the Association of Cannabinoid Specialists, advancing evidence-based cannabis education for healthcare professionals. He has moderated scientific symposia and lectured internationally, including at the WeCann Conference in São Paulo, and has advised the New York State Office of Cannabis Management with a particular focus on inflammatory bowel disease. He also sits on the U.S. Medical Advisory Board of Tikun Olam.

His teaching interests span the endocannabinoid system, gastrointestinal applications of cannabinoid therapy, patient selection, safety and risk reduction, product formulation, dosing and drug interactions — and the appropriate role of cannabis as an adjunct to, not a replacement for, evidence-based medical care.

Clinically, he is founder and CEO of Adirondack Gastrointestinal & Colorectal Surgery and Medical Director of Gastroenterology at Adirondack Health. He earned his medical degree at Loyola University Chicago Stritch School of Medicine, trained in general surgery at Brown University/Rhode Island Hospital, completed fellowship training in colon and rectal surgery, and holds an MBA from Northwestern University's Kellogg School of Management.

Professor Michael P. Barnes MD FRCP is a neurologist and Honorary Professor of Neurological Rehabilitation with more than 20 years' experience in the field of medical cannabis. He contributed to the development of Sativex, the first licensed cannabis-based medicine, and in 2016 authored a report for the UK Parliament examining the efficacy and safety of cannabis as a medicine.

In 2018, Professor Barnes helped secure the UK's first licence for the prescription of medical cannabis for a child with epilepsy, contributing to the developments that preceded the change in UK law later that year. He subsequently established the Medical Cannabis Clinicians Society (MCCS), of which he remains Chair, and later helped establish the Cannabis Industry Council.

Based in Melbourne, Australia, Dr Mihindu Jayasuriya is a leading figure in the medicinal cannabis field, known for his extensive experience and patient-centred approach. He has held several leadership posts within the sector, including Chief Medical Officer and Medical Director roles, with a key focus on clinical governance and patient safety.

Well experienced in the field of cannabinoid medicine, having treated several thousand patients over many years, Dr Jayasuriya is committed to delivering safe, high-quality, well-informed care that aims to help patients lead fulfilling lives.

His contributions to the field are underscored by publications, keynote speaking engagements and national patient advocacy initiatives. Through his dedication to advancing patient care with modern, innovative treatments, Dr Jayasuriya has positioned himself at the forefront of Australia’s evolving healthcare landscape. He is a pivotal figure in educating healthcare professionals on the clinical applications and regulatory intricacies of medicinal cannabis.

Dr Liam Engel is an ethnobotanist and natural products chemist at NICM Health Research Institute, Western Sydney University, where his research spans medicinal plants, natural products chemistry and emerging therapeutics.

Alongside his academic work, Liam conducts drug-checking with Pill Testing Australia, bringing harm-reduction science and analytical rigour to community settings. He is a director of The Mescaline Garden nursery and the author of Psychoactive Plants & Fungi.