I believe that all physicians should be equipped with the knowledge and confidence to advocate for evidence-based drug policies—but too many lack the training and support to do so.
Dr. Deondra Asike is a US Air Force Veteran and a Clinical Associate in the Department of Anesthesiology and Critical Care Medicine at Johns Hopkins. Several years ago, Dr. Asike began exploring the therapeutic potential of medical cannabis for her patients. She faced an uphill battle. As an anesthesiologist and pain medicine specialist, she saw firsthand the limitations of conventional treatments—but navigating limited research and the fragmented and inconsistent policies surrounding medical cannabis was daunting.
"The challenges I face as a physician in cannabis medicine stem from a patchwork of state laws, federal restrictions on research, and the legal complexities of prescribing a Schedule I substance," Dr. Asike explains. "Even when working within state law, physicians must constantly weigh legal risks and lack access to standardized best practices."
Three years ago, in search of guidance, Dr. Asike came across the Doctors for Drug Policy Reform website, then known as Doctors for Cannabis Regulation (DFCR). What started as an online query quickly led to a transformative mentorship experience.
"Bryon [Adinoff, D4DPR Board President] reached out, and soon after, he connected me with D4DPR members Dr. Rachel Knox and Dr. Leslie Temple Mendoza. These women, without knowing me at all, generously shared their knowledge and experience. Their mentorship has been invaluable."
Mentorship was just the beginning. Dr. Asike describes access to educational webinars, policy discussions, and a community of like-minded professionals advocating for evidence-based drug policies through which "D4DPR encouraged me to step outside of my comfort zone—to move from being a behind-the-scenes observer to taking a seat at the table. This organization gave me the confidence and tools to become a stronger advocate for my patients and the field of medical cannabis."
That confidence, and those tools, helped launch Dr. Asike as a physician leader in medical cannabis. In 2022, she founded National Pain ReLEAF, a consultation practice focused on guiding patients and members of their healthcare team through the safe and effective incorporation of cannabis into a comprehensive pain treatment plan.
Dr. Asike credits D4DPR with providing a space where she can align her work with her personal mission. "I find purpose and direction through my faith, and I feel called to create meaningful change. D4DPR has empowered me to fulfill this calling, using my knowledge and influence to push for access to safe cannabis medicine and science-based drug policies."
Below, Dr. Asike discusses how D4DPR supported her on this journey.
Dr. Asike’s accomplishments since entering the space include serving on the Maryland Department of Health Prescription Drug Monitoring Program Advisory Board, chairing the Maryland Cannabis Public Health Advisory Council and The Maryland State Medical Society Cannabis Committee, and advisory board member for the Association of Cannabinoid Specialists. She is a specialty expert and Maryland Spokesperson for Doctors For Drug Policy Reform. In October of 2024, Dr. Asike was awarded the Distinguished Chair Award for her outstanding leadership as Chair of The Maryland State Medical Society’s Cannabis Committee.
Dr. Asike’s journey is exactly why Doctors for Drug Policy Reform exists—to educate, empower, and connect healthcare professionals who are working to reform outdated drug policies.
But we can’t do it alone.
YOUR generous support allows us to continue mentoring the next generation of physician advocates, providing crucial education, and fighting for policies that prioritize public health over politics. Join us in growing our movement—our goal is 100 new members and $20,000 in donations this year.
Your support makes it possible!
Can I count on your membership to help us reach this goal and create a future where compassionate, evidence-based drug policies are the norm—not the exception?
Please join us in this mission.
Thank you,
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Dr. Bryon Adinoff
President of D4DPR
P.S. Doctors like Dr. Asike are stepping up to advocate for evidence-based drug policies—but they can’t do it alone. When you contribute, you help D4DPR support more physicians to become powerful voices for reform.
Please make a gift today to strengthen this movement and forward this email to a friend or colleague you believe would also support our mission.
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