Karen Munkacy

It’s all about having a mission. And that’s precisely what Dr. Karen Munkacy brings to her role as President & CEO of Garden Remedies—having survived breast cancer and a debilitating year-long ordeal of multiple surgeries, radiation and chemotherapy treatments.During her treatment, Dr. Munkacy knew there had to be a more effective way to alleviate the pain and suffering that she and many other cancer patients had endured. She reached out to medical colleagues, who told her that medical marijuana was a successful means of treating symptoms like hers. But, not wanting to break the law, she chose not to use the treatment.As she recovered, Dr. Munkacy extensively researched medical marijuana and learned that the medicinal benefits of cannabis were backed by a broad base of scientific evidence and medical support. Her background as a board certified anesthesiologist and former faculty member at UCLA and USC Medical Centers gave her the medical perspective to judiciously assess her research findings.  In an effort to spare others’ suffering, she began to speak about her experience with cancer and to encourage lawmakers and health care professionals to support legislation to allow the use of medical marijuana to alleviate patient pain and discomfort.Dr. Munkacy’s medical experience is extensive. In addition to her background as a board certified anesthesiologist and pain management specialist, she is a former faculty member at UCLA and USC Medical Centers in Los Angeles, and has worked as a researcher and international medical consultant. She is fellowship trained in pain management and received her medical degree from the University of Michigan Medical School (her undergraduate degree is from the University of Michigan). Additionally, Dr. Munkacy is a Delegate to the Massachusetts Medical Society, which has more than 24,000 physician members.Dr. Munkacy is also an active proponent in the public arena of the use of medical marijuana. In this role, she is a member of Americans for Safe Access, the largest organization of patients, medical professionals, scientists and concerned citizens promoting safe and legal access to medical marijuana. She was a leader in the successful ballot campaign for the legalization of medical marijuana in Massachusetts, and helped persuade the Massachusetts Medical Society to sponsor a physician education program on the medicine. Now, Dr. Munkacy brings all her energy and integrity to Garden Remedies as it launches its efforts to deliver to patients the safe, compassionate and proven relief they deserve.