Meet Dr. Benavides
Dr. Abraham Benavides, M.D., is an internationally-recognized expert, cannacoach, and Costa Rica’s #1 cannabis scholar. He is the CEO and lead cannabis research writer behind MEDEC-CR.
With 10 years of research experience and a passion for cannabis education, Dr. Benavides is dedicated to providing healthcare professionals and patients in the US and Costa Rica with the knowledge and tools they need to excel in this rapidly evolving field. He is committed to evidence-based and peer-reviewed best practices.



About Dr. Abraham Benavides, MD
Dr. Abraham Benavides, M.D., is a dedicated medical professional and co-founder of MEDEC-CR, bringing extensive expertise in medicine and education to promote responsible cannabis use. His leadership and commitment help empower healthcare providers across Costa Rica with evidence-based knowledge and innovative practices in cannabis medicine.
Dr. Abe is an internationally-recognized cannabis research expert and full-tuition merit scholar of the George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences (SMHS ’19). He also studied Biology and Business Administration at Boston University (CAS ‘14).
In 2016, Abe started the Cannabis as Medicine Interest Group at GWU SMHS, the first cannabis-focused education group at a US medical school. During medical school, he also earned a Health Policy Track certificate by advocating for the advancement of Hispanic public health and the interests of 50,000 US Hispanic physicians at the National Hispanic Medical Association on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C.
He continues to advocate for cannabis law reform and education in the US and Costa Rica. Since graduating, Dr. Abe has worked extensively in the cannabis industry as a medical reviewer, author, editor, and scientific advisor for leading cannabis and CBD organizations around the world. He also does remote cannabis coaching with Veriheal and the GW Center for Integrative Medicine.
Dr. Benavides has authored original science articles, cannabis e-books, and CME courses for Veriheal as Lead Cannabis Educator for the #1 largest provider network of medical cannabis cards in the US and worldwide. He has coauthored and peer-reviewed over 750 scientific blog articles on cannabis, terpenes, and medical conditions. Dr. Abe has also written dozens of original cannabis science articles and created an educational YouTube video series with consumer research partner, CBD Oracle.
Abe serves as lead medical reviewer for Veriheal, CannaKeys, CBD Oracle, and many other reputable consumer research websites with his educational content reaching a direct global audience of over 2.5 million patients including teaching thousands of other doctors and healthcare providers.
In 2020, at the height of the pandemic, Dr. Benavides survived severe COVID-19 illness during his Family Medicine residency in Seattle and now lives with new disabilities including Long COVID, POTS, and PTSD. He since moved to Costa Rica to heal, be with his family, and upgrade his quality of life.
To continue advocacy efforts, Dr. Abe was invited by the Society of Cannabis Clinicians to be the youngest conference speaker at the 2022 Inaugural Costa Rica Cannabis Congress in the first year of legalization. He is making significant pro-cannabis efforts in both countries since.

Dr. Abraham Benavides' Role at MEDEC-CR
Dr. Abraham Benavides is a leading medical expert dedicated to advancing cannabis medicine in Costa Rica. In May 2023, Dr. Abe was recognized as Costa Rica’s #1 cannabis scholar by the Cannabis Science & Industry Center of the Americas, nominated by Vida Afortunada.
They recognized that Dr. Abe has taught millions of patients and trained thousands of healthcare professionals, fostering a knowledgeable community committed to evidence-based practices and responsible use of medical cannabis.
In 2025, Vida Afortunada appointed Dr. Abe to lead the charge on medical cannabis education in Costa Rica. This cannabis doctor’s network provides an exclusive, member’s-only catalogue of courses, certificates, access safe and legal cannabis products, and earn commissions. Doctors can effectively learn, become certified, and treat their patients while also growing their practice and revenue stream — all in one.
As Co-Founder and CEO, Dr. Abe ensures all stakeholder interests are best represented and win together through this new joint venture and doctor’s membership association, MEDEC-CR.