David Bearman MD
Dr. David Bearman is one of the most clinically knowledgeable physicians in the U.S. in the field of medicinal marijuana. With a career spanning 40 years, he has made significant contributions to substance and drug abuse treatment and prevention programs. A pioneer in the free and community clinic movement, Dr. Bearman’s extensive career encompasses public health, administrative medicine, primary care, pain management, and cannabinology. Among his many roles, he served as the Co-Director of the Haight-Ashbury Drug Treatment Program and as a member of Governor Reagan’s Inter-Agency Task Force on Drug Abuse. He has also been a consultant to Hoffman-LaRoche, Santa Barbara County Schools, and the National PTA, and has been recognized with the Humanitarian Recognition Award by the Santa Barbara Medical Society. Dr. Bearman is the author of “Drugs Are NOT the Devil’s Tools: How Discrimination and Greed Created a Dysfunctional Drug Policy and How It Can Be Fixed” in two volumes.
With 50 years of professional experience in the field of medical cannabis, Dr. Bearman’s work has continued to evolve. He has remained a significant figure in the substance and drug abuse treatment and prevention field, pioneering the free community clinic movement. His involvement in various county Drug Abuse Technical Advisor Committees and consultation roles has further strengthened his position as a leading expert. In addition to his contributions to the medical field, he has also authored “Cannabis Medicine: A Guide to the Practice of Cannabinoid Medicine” and a revised edition of “Drugs are Not the Devils’ Tools.”
Dr. Bearman’s influence extends beyond his writing and medical practice. He is featured in the documentary “Medical Cannabis and Its Impact On Human Health” and has appeared in several Netflix films. His commitment to educating the public about cannabis and its medical applications is evident in both his professional career and his contributions to the broader cultural conversation on this subject. As the former Executive Director of the American Academy of Cannabinoid Medicine, Dr. Bearman’s expertise continues to shape the understanding and utilization of cannabis in modern medicine.
