Renowned Doctor and Pain Management Expert Announces Plans to Advance Medical Cannabis Therapies and Research, Critical in Fight Against Opioid Addiction

Allentown Physician Bruce Nicholson, MD, Brings Together Medical, Research and Operational Experts to Form TruVo Health Care

‘Medical Cannabis a Safe, Effective Alternative for Pain Relief,’ Says Dr. Nicholson

ALLENTOWN, Pa., Jan. 23, 2017 -- Allentown physician Bruce D. Nicholson, M.D. – a nationally-recognized expert in pain management – has launched TruVo Health Care, a Pennsylvania-based healthcare organization that specializes in medical cannabis production, distribution, research and advocacy. The company will be at the forefront of the movement to create an accessible alternative for pain management with less risks than opioids, its founder said.

“Providing patients with safe and effective ways to manage their pain has always been one of the core goals of healthcare,” said Nicholson. “The legalization and acceptance of medical marijuana is an important step in bringing non-opioid pain relief to those who need it most. Our unique and well-rounded team at TruVo will help open the door to safe medication designed to maximize potential medicinal benefits and minimize psychoactive effects.”

The Pennsylvania Legislature last year approved medical marijuana for use in treating 17 medically-certified conditions. It will begin awarding licenses for cultivating and dispensing medical marijuana later this year. TruVo intends to apply for an integrated license to cultivate and distribute medical marijuana in the Northeastern region of the state.

In addition to growing and dispensing medical marijuana, TruVo also intends to conduct clinical trials to broaden the medical community’s understanding about using cannabis – rather than opioids – to treat various conditions, Dr. Nicholson said.

“TruVo’s vision is to become the recognized gold standard for the production and distribution of pharmaceutical-grade medical marijuana in order to improve the quality of life for consumers throughout the state,” said Dr. Nicholson. “We also intend to further the science and research of medical cannabis through partnerships with the nation’s leading research and medical institutions.”  

Dr. Nicholson, who will be the Chief Medical Officer of TruVo, has recruited an executive team that includes some of the nation’s top experts in medicine and pharmacology, growing and cultivation, research, advocacy, FDA compliance and safety. Furthermore, the company will work together with other prestigious healthcare organizations to advance its creation of high quality medication. This well-balanced group of professionals will differentiate the company by making it a leader in all aspects of the medical marijuana industry, rather than specializing in just one function.

“TruVo’s mission is to develop a world-class organization that innovates, establishes and utilizes the proven best practices for marijuana-based medicine in Pennsylvania,” Nicholson said. “Our team consists of experts who have paved the way for innovation and growth in their respective fields. I am thrilled to work with this group of the most knowledgeable, experienced professionals in the industry.”

Dr. Nicholson serves as Medical Director for the Division of Pain Medicine for Lehigh Valley Hospital and Health Network. He was President of Pain Specialists of Greater Lehigh Valley in Allentown for over 20 years until recently joining Lehigh Valley Physician Group. He is a founding member and current President of Pennsylvania Pain Society and a Clinical Associate Professor at the Penn State College of Medicine at Hershey Medical Center. Dr. Nicholson is board-certified in Anesthesiology and Pain Management by the American Board of Anesthesiology. He served in the Army Reserve Medical Corps for nine years with an honorable discharge as Major.

In April 2016, Pennsylvania Governor Tom Wolf signed the Medical Marijuana Program into effect, allowing patients who suffer from serious medical conditions to legally obtain cannabis-based medication for pain management. Starting on February 20, the Pennsylvania Department of Health will begin accepting applications from entities seeking a license to grow and / or sell medical marijuana.

Pennsylvania residents seeking to obtain medical cannabis must first register for the Medical Marijuana program with the Department of Health, receive a certificate from a physician attesting that they suffer from one of the 17 approve medical conditions, and purchase a valid ID card from the state. For more information, visit our website at http://truvohealthcare.com/ or the Pennsylvania Department of Health’s website at http://www.health.pa.gov/.

About TruVo Health Care

TruVo Health Care is a Pennsylvania-based healthcare organization that specializes in medical cannabis production, distribution, research and advocacy. The company’s vision is to become the recognized leader in marijuana-based therapies throughout the state.

Contact:
Jennifer Tedeschi, 610-649-9292
[email protected]