Connect
To Top

Meet Dr. Elaine Burns of Southwest Medical Marijuana Physicians Group / DrBurns’ ReLeaf™

Avatar photo

Today we’d like to introduce you to Dr. Elaine Burns.

So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
I am a naturopathic physician with a background in botanical medicine, when the MMJ program passed in AZ – I knew there would be a need for qualified / educated physicians to counsel / certify patients qualified to use cannabis as a therapeutic agent. In April of 2011 (start of the AZ MMA) I opened up my first center in Scottsdale, AZ, right on the heels of that I opened my 2nd center in N. Phoenix and more recently, my 3rd center in Avondale Az. In addition, to having knowledge / experience with botanical medicine, I have kept myself current with the science and evolving field of cannabinoid medicine. In 2012, I became the first physician in AZ to be certified by the American Academy of Cannabinoid Medicine.

Today, I am recognized as a local / national expert regarding the therapeutics of cannabis – presenting at renowned medical institutions such as Barrows Neurological Institute and Banner Alzheimer’s Institute. In addition I started a local group where I present the science and therapeutic benefits of cannabis to those considering this as a treatment alternative; this monthly group is titled Cannabis Community Talks. Also, I have an upcoming book: Weed Out Opioid Addiction…

Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Definitely has not been a smooth road, as cannabinoid physicians are really “towing the line” when it comes to the legality issues – so this is not for the faint of heart – when we first opened it would not be uncommon for undercover DEA officers to pose as patients and media personal doing undercover videotaping… In 2011 in AZ when the MMJ Act passed – it was certainly the Chicken Little story and the sky was falling … we have come a long way now – to the point, I am being invited into very well know conventional physician groups (e.g. Banner Alzheimer, Banner Neurologic Institute and Barrows Neurologic Institute) to educate mainstream physicians regarding the Science and Therapeutic Potentials of Cannabis.

In addition, there are business challenges; i.e. banking for one: after 7 years of using First Data as our merchant services provider (credit card processing) – in April of this year without warning, our services were discontinued due to the fact that our physician group services the medical marijuana patient.

Please tell us about Southwest Medical Marijuana Physicians Group / DrBurns’ ReLeaf™ product line.
Southwest Medical Marijuana Evaluation Center was established in 2011 to serve the patients of Arizona who would qualify under the Arizona Medical Marijuana Act. To date, we have seen over 20,000 patients.

From the beginning what set us apart is we were not just your run of the mill “certification center”. To be honest, any doctor can review medical records and sign a marijuana recommendation form and this is what most do, along with having a very recreational overtone to the practice. That is not what I wanted for our patients, I wanted a dignified, professional experience… this is a medical issue and needs to be handled as such. This is what we are known for and what patients come to expect – hence our large referral network from patients and very reputable physicians in the community. Not only can a patient expect a very professional, dignified experience, they can expect to receive a basic education regarding cannabis and even a detailed treatment plan for those that want that. We do NOT just sign a piece of paper and tell the patient to rely on the young dispensary agent to advise them on their medical needs.

DrBurns’ ReLeaf™ product line was developed in late 2017 and launched in early 2018 with the following goals in mind:
• Produce high quality, tested and verified therapeutic medicine to address a variety of medical conditions
• Ensure the patient gets better, not high
• Educate and advocate the larger community
on the medical benefits of cannabis
• Bridge the gap between what is medically
necessary and what is actually available for patients

And, what sets this product line apart are the following:
Physician formulations are based on over six years of significant clinical experience with medical marijuana patients
Formulations designed to give fast, reliable results and include other botanicals in addition to cannabis to target specific conditions
Based on scientific studies
Simplified / effective dosing guidelines and product labeling

I am most proud of these two accomplishments within the MEDICAL Marijuana industry to be able to educate, advocate and provide quality medicine — all are truly making a difference in the lives of many people…

Do you look back particularly fondly on any memories from childhood?
Ages 10-12 – Living in sunny Southern California and playing outside with my many friends on a summer’s evening. And, every Sunday our family would take the “proverbial” Sunday drive. Loved it! I love to explore and experience new places. I have been traveling since I was very young. My parents are from England, I was born there, but raised in the States, but we would travel back and forth all the time.

Contact Info:

Getting in touch: VoyagePhoenix is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.

Related Items

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

More in