DEFINITION
About Medical Cannabis
Medical cannabis refers to the therapeutic use of the cannabis plant and its active compounds — cannabinoids like THC, CBD, CBG, and others — to address a wide range of health conditions. Unlike recreational use, medical cannabis is approached with the same rigor as any evidence-based treatment: dosing matters, product selection matters, and individual body chemistry matters.
Cannabis and hemp are closely related plants that differ mainly in their THC content. Many patients benefit from non-impairing cannabinoids like CBD and CBG alone, which are available legally as hemp products without a formal cannabis recommendation. For plans that include THC, a medical cannabis recommendation may be required, depending on your state.
Beyond the well-known cannabinoids, the plant also contains terpenes — natural aromatic compounds that contribute to its therapeutic effects. Understanding how cannabinoids and terpenes work together (the "entourage effect") is key to getting the most from a cannabis-based approach.
INDICATIONS
What conditions does it help with?
ADVANTAGE
What makes GWCIM special?
The cannabis market is crowded, confusing, and full of misinformation. Walking into a dispensary — or browsing the internet — without expert guidance often leads to products that don't fit your needs, or experiences that put you off cannabis entirely.
At GWCIM, we offer two distinct paths for cannabis guidance — consultations with Dr. Abraham Benavides, MD, and coaching with Joelle Rabion, MS/MCST, HHC, AADP — so you can choose the provider and format that best matches your needs, complexity, and in-person preference.
Our providers bring world-class expertise and a holistic perspective to cannabis care. Medical cannabis is integrated with GWCIM's full range of complementary therapies — including functional medicine, naturopathic medicine, integrative mental health, acupuncture, and more — so cannabis is never treated in isolation, but as part of your broader healing plan.
APPROACH
Our Services at Glance
We offer two distinct but complementary paths to cannabis care: consultations with Dr. Benavides and coaching with Joelle Rabion. Both pathways begin by listening to you — your history, your goals, your preferences, and your comfort level with cannabis.
Dr. Benavides's consultations (available virtually) are ideal for patients with complex, chronic, or advanced care needs. He draws on his background in Family Medicine and cannabis research to create highly customized cannabinoid and terpene formulations. He can also assist with medical cannabis card recertification in DC, VA, and MD.
Joelle's coaching sessions (available in-person and virtually) are particularly well-suited for patients who are new to cannabis or who want practical, hands-on guidance. She helps patients understand how cannabis works in the body, how to evaluate products in a marketplace full of questionable options, and how to find the right CBD:THC ratio for their needs. Together, these two providers ensure that patients at every experience level — from first-timers to seasoned consumers — receive the right kind of support.
Safety First
Your wellbeing is the top priority. Our providers carefully consider your full health history, current medications, and individual risk factors to ensure that every cannabis recommendation is appropriate and safe for you.
Customized to You
No two patients are the same. Every plan is built around your specific conditions, health history, preferences, and goals — not a one-size-fits-all protocol.
Non-Impairing Options Available
You don't have to feel high to benefit. Legal hemp-based cannabinoids like CBD and CBG can provide meaningful relief without impairment, and our providers can design a plan that fits your lifestyle.
Proven Sources and Products
With so many products flooding the market, knowing what to trust matters. Our providers recommend only reputable, vetted products backed by research, and help you cut through the noise of misinformation.
Care Options
Cannabis Consultation with Dr. Benavides (Virtual Only)
Comprehensive medical consultation for complex, chronic, or advanced cannabis care needs. Includes custom cannabinoid/terpene formulations and a written action plan. Ideal for patients with multi-layered conditions or those seeking clinical-level guidance.
Cannabis Coaching with Joelle Rabion (In-Person and Virtual)
Holistic health coaching focused on practical cannabis guidance, product selection, dosing, and education. Especially suited for older adults and those new to cannabis.
Medical Cannabis Recommendations
Medical Cannabis Recommendations: Available for DC, VA, and MD residents. Plan ahead for annual renewals. An additional fee applies for Dr. Kogan's cannabis recommendation services ($100).
Medical Cannabis Consultations with Dr. Mikhail Kogan
EXPERTISE
Recommended Providers
LEARN MORE
What to expect as a patient
You can ask any cannabis questions, and learn about:
- Frequently asked questions about cannabis, CBD, hemp, and terpenes
- Find a local dispensary and a reputable online hemp brand
- Explore local retail menus with you
- Recommend product selection, route, dosing, titration, frequency, and more
- Learn about the effects of different cannabinoids, terpenes, ratios, and consumption experiences
- Optimize your cannabis regimen for healthy, safe consumption
FAQ
Common Questions
Cannabinoids like THC, CBD, CBG, CBDA, CBGA, CBN, and more have demonstrated efficacy for most conditions we treat and address at GWCIM. Please ask us!
Cannabis consultations with Dr. Benavides are virtual medical appointments suited for complex or advanced cannabis care needs, including optimizing cannabinoid regimens for chronic conditions and recertification for medical cannabis cards. Cannabis coaching with Joelle Rabion is available both in-person and virtually and focuses on holistic health guidance, product education, and practical action planning. Depending on your needs, complexity, or in-person preference, you may choose to meet with either provider.
Not necessarily. If you prefer to use only non-impairing cannabinoids (like CBD or CBG), legal hemp products are available online without a formal recommendation. For plans that include THC, a medical cannabis recommendation is encouraged and may be required by your state. Our providers can assist with the recommendation and recertification process.
No. It is not necessary to be impaired or feel altered to get health and wellness benefits from cannabinoids and terpenes. Non-impairing options like CBD and CBG can be highly effective, and our providers can create a plan that fits your preferences.
Your personalized cannabis action plan includes recommended cannabinoids, ratios, and terpenes; custom cannabinoid and terpene formulations; suggested dosing; a titration schedule; frequency considerations; optimal routes of administration; product recommendations; and discount codes for reputable affiliate products.
Absolutely. Our providers are happy to consult with people of all cannabis experience levels, from beginners to experienced consumers. Dr. Benavides has educated over a million patients worldwide, including healthcare professionals, and Joelle Rabion has worked extensively with older adults who are new to cannabis.
Medical cannabis is often just one part of an integrative medicine approach. GWCIM also offers functional medicine, naturopathic medicine, integrative mental health, acupuncture, traditional Chinese medicine, Reiki, and more, all of which may be employed in conjunction with medical cannabis.
EDUCATION