# Fireside Chats > **Author:** Benjamin Caplan, MD (ABFM Board Certified, MA Lic. #240562, NPI: 1962722637) > **Publisher:** CED Clinic (https://cedclinic.com) > **Canonical URL:** https://cedclinic.com/past-events/fireside-chats/ > **Published:** 2023-04-24T22:59:52-04:00 | **Last Modified / Clinically Audited:** 2026-09-13T19:21:27-04:00 > **Clinical Summary:** Contact CED Clinic For several years, CED Clinic hosted monthly Fireside Chats that brought together patients, caregivers, healthcare professionals, and curious members of the public for thoughtful conversations about cannabis science, medicine, and everyday life. Unlike formal lectures, these gatherings were intentionally conversational. They offered a welcoming space to ask questions, share experiences, discuss emerging […] --- Contact CED Clinic For several years, CED Clinic hosted monthly Fireside Chats that brought together patients, caregivers, healthcare professionals, and curious members of the public for thoughtful conversations about cannabis science, medicine, and everyday life. Unlike formal lectures, these gatherings were intentionally conversational. They offered a welcoming space to ask questions, share experiences, discuss emerging research, and explore topics often overlooked in traditional healthcare settings. From stress, sleep, aging, and PTSD to diabetes, cancer, skin health, intimacy, and navigating the [COVID-19 pandemic](https://cedclinic.com/will-the-coronavirus-force-states-to-legalize-marijuana/), these discussions captured many of the most common questions patients were asking during a pivotal period in [cannabis medicine](https://cedclinic.com/essential-oils-industrial-hemp-antimicrobial-benefits/). 12+ Educational Discussions 2020 to 2021 Archive Years Live Interactive Community Events Free Public Education Table of Contents - [Fireside Chat Archive](#Fireside_Chat_Archive) - [Cannabis & COVID-19: December Fireside Chat • December 2021](#Cannabis_COVID-19_December_Fireside_Chat_December_2021) - [Cannabis and Older Adults • May 2021](#Cannabis_and_Older_Adults_May_2021) - [Patient Appreciation Night • April 2021](#Patient_Appreciation_Night_April_2021) - [Cannabis and Diabetes • March 2021](#Cannabis_and_Diabetes_March_2021) - [Cannabis and Romance • February 2021](#Cannabis_and_Romance_February_2021) - [Cannabis and Skin • January 2021](#Cannabis_and_Skin_January_2021) - [Cannabis Tolerance • December 2020](#Cannabis_Tolerance_December_2020) - [Cannabis and PTSD • November 2020](#Cannabis_and_PTSD_November_2020) - [Cannabis and Breast Cancer • October 2020](#Cannabis_and_Breast_Cancer_October_2020) - [Cannabis and Stress • September 2020](#Cannabis_and_Stress_September_2020) - [Cannabis and Sleep • August 2020](#Cannabis_and_Sleep_August_2020) - [Cannabis During Coronavirus • July 2020](#Cannabis_During_Coronavirus_July_2020) ## Fireside Chat Archive The recordings and event descriptions below preserve a unique moment in the evolution of [cannabis medicine](https://cedclinic.com/essential-oils-industrial-hemp-antimicrobial-benefits/). While scientific understanding continues to evolve, these conversations remain valuable snapshots of the questions, concerns, and discoveries shaping patient care during this period. Many of these discussions focused on conditions and topics that were receiving little public attention at the time. Together, they illustrate CED Clinic’s longstanding commitment to evidence-based education, patient empowerment, and open dialogue. ## Cannabis & COVID-19: December Fireside Chat • December 2021 As the Omicron variant surged and uncertainty remained high, this discussion explored questions surrounding cannabis use, vaccination, immune health, and COVID-19. Participants examined what was known from emerging research and shared experiences navigating the pandemic. ## Cannabis and Older Adults • May 2021 A discussion focused on aging, the [endocannabinoid system](https://cedclinic.com/endocannabinoid-system-fear-extinction/), and how cannabinoids may affect quality of life, mobility, sleep, mood, and overall wellness in older adults. ## Patient Appreciation Night • April 2021 An evening dedicated to celebrating [patient experiences](/testimonials/) and the lessons learned through real-world cannabis care. Participants shared insights regarding products, outcomes, and quality-of-life improvements. ## Cannabis and Diabetes • March 2021 Hosted by Dr. Exelbert, this discussion explored emerging evidence connecting the [endocannabinoid system](https://cedclinic.com/endocannabinoid-system-fear-extinction/) with diabetes, obesity, insulin resistance, and metabolic health. ## Cannabis and Romance • February 2021 An open and science-based conversation about intimacy, sexuality, relationships, and the potential role of cannabis in enhancing comfort, connection, and pleasure. [Watch Replay](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bxOJmDYwEyw) ## Cannabis and Skin • January 2021 A look at topical cannabis products, skin physiology, [cannabinoid receptors](https://cedclinic.com/citral-cannabinoid-receptor-2-activation-pain-relief/) in the skin, and how cannabinoids may be used without psychoactive effects. ## Cannabis Tolerance • December 2020 Discussion of tolerance, dose-response relationships, patient variability, and practical strategies for maintaining effectiveness while minimizing unwanted effects. ## Cannabis and PTSD • November 2020 An examination of trauma, stress physiology, conventional treatments, and the growing interest in cannabinoids as a tool for managing PTSD symptoms. ## Cannabis and Breast Cancer • October 2020 Review of the available scientific literature regarding cannabinoids, cancer biology, and the potential interactions between cannabis and [breast cancer treatment](https://cedclinic.com/cannabinoids-breast-cancer-research/). ## Cannabis and Stress • September 2020 A discussion focused on how stress affects the body and the different ways cannabinoids may influence stress responses and overall well-being. ## Cannabis and Sleep • August 2020 Exploration of sleep hygiene, common [sleep disorders](/cannabis-for-sleep/), and how cannabinoids may affect sleep quality, duration, and restorative rest. ## Cannabis During Coronavirus • July 2020 One of the earliest pandemic-era discussions focused on helping patients understand how cannabis use might affect health and well-being during an unprecedented public health crisis. --- ### Verification & Medical Governance - **Lead Clinical Author:** Benjamin Caplan, MD - **Credentials:** Board Certified in Family Medicine (ABFM), Founder & CMO CED Clinic & CED Foundation, Author of *The Doctor-Approved Cannabis Handbook* (Penguin Random House). - **Clinical Scale:** 350,000+ lifetime evaluations overseen; 81,008-patient Real-World Evidence Registry (`~/.ced_rwe_vault.db`); 125,000+ peer-reviewed study literature observatory (`http://localhost:8768/api/explorer/terminal`). - **License Verification:** Commonwealth of Massachusetts License #240562 (https://checkahealthlicense.mass.gov/). - **NPI Registry:** 1962722637 (https://npiregistry.cms.hhs.gov/provider-view/1962722637). - **Ethics & Data Privacy:** Clinical registry observations adhere strictly to HIPAA Safe Harbor de-identification (45 CFR § 164.514(b)) and criteria for secondary research exemption under 45 CFR § 46.104(d)(4).