Dr. Abraham Benavides

Dr. Abe Benavides is a passionate advocate for medical cannabis education and law reform. His work sits at the intersection of cannabis medicine, public health, and patient empowerment. A published author, CME educator, and internationally recognized cannabis scholar, Dr. Abe brings both clinical expertise and lived experience to his practice. He is known for his warmth, patience, and ability to translate complex cannabinoid science into practical, personalized guidance.

Dr. Abe's personal journey has profoundly shaped his professional path. After surviving a severe COVID-19 infection during his Family Medicine residency, he became deeply interested in Long COVID, POTS, and PTSD. This personal experience led him to relocate to Costa Rica, where he focuses on healing, deepening family connections, and enhancing his quality of life — values that are reflected in the compassionate, whole-person care he brings to every patient encounter.

Dr. Benavides works with GWCIM remotely as a cannabis consultant, collaborating closely with Dr. Mikhail Kogan and cannabis coach Joelle Rabion. Through his consultations, he answers cannabis-related questions, provides education on cannabinoid and terpene science, discusses strategies for dosing, product selection, routes of administration, and healthy consumption, and helps patients develop personalized, in-depth cannabis action plans. He also provides follow-up care and sees referrals from other GWCIM integrative medicine providers.

Dr. Abe cherishes time in nature and at the beach with his wife and their pug, Bruschetta. He believes deeply in the importance of balance, connection, and joy — both in life and in medicine.