Medical Marijuana and Other Cannabinoids
Course Overview
A large body of clinical trials has now been published on cannabis and other cannabinoids in the treatment or management of a wide range of diseases and conditions. This course will review the body of research on medicinal cannabis to provide the learner with the most recently available information on potential indications, pharmacology and mechanism of action, acute and chronic side effects, and patients for whom medicinal cannabis is contraindicated. Also discussed will be a comparison between medicinal and recreational cannabis users, and how differences between the two groups in background characteristics and patterns of cannabis ingestion may differentially influence the development of side effects such as cannabis abuse and dependence. An evaluation of the strength and the quality of the research evidence will also be provided, as well as a discussion of how the cannabinoid mechanism of action may interact with disease pathogenesis to produce clinical benefit. The use of cannabis for medicinal purposes throughout recorded human history will also be presented.
Learning Outcomes
Upon the completion of this course, the learner should be able to:
- Recall the history of therapeutic cannabis use.
- Outline the function of the endocannabinoid system.
- Analyze the pharmacology of exogenous cannabinoids in clinical or experimental use.
- Discuss potential side effects and areas of safety concern when medicinal cannabis and other cannabinoids are used.
- Describe the potential therapeutic benefit and appropriate indications for the medical use of marijuana and other cannabinoids.
- Identify primary indications, side effects, chronic effects, and contraindications to therapeutic cannabinoid use.
About the Author/Presenter
Mark Rose, BS, MA, LP, is a licensed psychologist in the State of Minnesota with a private consulting practice and a medical research analyst with a biomedical communications firm. Earlier healthcare technology assessment work led to medical device and pharmaceutical sector experience in new product development involving cancer ablative devices and pain therapeutics. Along with substantial experience in addiction research, Mr. Rose has contributed to the authorship of numerous papers on CNS, oncology, and other medical disorders. He is the lead author of papers published in peer-reviewed addiction, psychiatry, and pain medicine journals and has written books on prescription opioids and alcoholism published by the Hazelden Foundation. He also serves as an Expert Advisor and Expert Witness to law firms that represent disability claimants or criminal defendants on cases related to chronic pain, psychiatric/substance use disorders, and acute pharmacologic/toxicologic effects. Mr. Rose is on the Board of Directors of the Minneapolis-based International Institute of Anti-Aging Medicine and is a member of several professional organizations.
Audience/Accreditations and Approvals
TRC Healthcare/ NetCE
In support of improving patient care, this activity has been planned and implemented by TRC Healthcare/ NetCE. TRC Healthcare/NetCE is jointly accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME), the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE), and the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC), to provide continuing education for the healthcare team.
This course is designed for the following healthcare professions (select your profession for details):
Counselor, Dental AGD Code: 149, Nursing, Pharmacy, Physician, Psychology, Social Work
If you require special accommodations, please contact Colibri Healthcare Support by clicking here: Contact Us
