For people seeking well-researched 1 ¼ to 2 hour briefings focused on important aspects of Cannabis Science & Medicine, we are offering five individual modules that can be completed independently.  These are available throughout the year by the UVM Larner College of Medicine Department of Pharmacology. After registering for a module, you will receive access instructions within 24 hours. 

Online Modules:

  1. MEDICO-LEGAL (1.25 hours) – $125 Register for this Module
  • Cannabis History, Policy, and Law
    • Identify the key historical events associated with the medicinal use of Cannabis
    • Understand the process involved with medical Cannabisresearch
    • Contrast the rules, the regulations, and the federal issues of medicinal Cannabis in medical-legal states
    • Describe the roles of Medical Providers in different medical-legal states
  • Public Health – Risks and Potential Benefits
    • Identify the potential benefits – and risks – of cannabis-based medicine in adult and pediatric patients.
    • Describe four elements of patient and family education regarding cannabis.
    • Describe barriers for elderly patients to access cannabis-based medicine
    • Describe the role of caregivers for pediatric, disabled, and elderly patients receiving cannabis-based medicine

 

  1. BIOLOGY AND BASIC SCIENCE (1.75 hours) – $175  Register for this Module
  • The Endocannabinoid System
    • Describe at least 3 unique characteristics of the endocannabinoid system
    • Explain implications of the endocannabinoid system on the use of cannabis as medication
    • Discuss the concept of endocannabinoid deficiency syndrome
  • The Phytocannabinoids and Terpenes
    • Identify phytocannabinoids, and contrast Marinol with cannabis occurring in nature
    • Understand the differences between phytocannabinoids
    • Describe terpenes and the entourage effect

 

  1. CLINICAL PRACTICE 1 – PHYSIOLOGY AND PHARMACOLOGY (2 hours) – $200 Register for this Module
  • Physiological and Adverse Effects
    • Describe the pharmacology and toxicology of Cannabis and Cannabis-based products
    • Identify side effects associated with the acute and chronic use of medicinal cannabis
    • Describe cannabis’ effects on brain function in adolescents
    • Outline risk factors associated with the initiation or maintenance of cannabinoid therapies for pain, and strategies for referral when substance abuse is present
    • Explain risks to patients
  • Preparations and Dosage
    • Identify the cannabis-based pharmaceuticals currently available in the US market and abroad
    • Discuss four common routes of administration of cannabis
    • Discuss dosing and pharmacokinetics of medical marijuana
    • Explain to patients the pharmacology of cannabinoids and terpenes and the best indications for clinical use

 

  1. CLINICAL PRACTICE 2 –PAIN SYNDROMES (1.5 hours) – $150  Register for this Module
  • Clinical Practice – Chronic Pain
    • Critically review and assess the current evidence for safety and efficacy of Cannabis and Cannabis-based products for chronic pain
    • Discuss decision-making strategies including non-cannabinoid and non-pharmacologic strategies for the management of pain
    • Determine which patients may benefit from using medicinal cannabis for chronic pain
    • Describe how to titrate medicinal cannabis to best manage chronic pain and ween patients from opioids
  • Clinical Practice – Cancer and Palliative Care
    • Critically review and assess the current evidence for safety and efficacy of cannabis products for cancer and palliative care
    • Assess when cannabis may be an appropriate treatment option for oncology patients, including specialties such as pediatric oncology
    • Identify the risks associated with the use of smoked cannabis in immunocompromised patients
    • Employ strategies that integrate care across disciplines
    • Create individualized care for special populations including patients requiring palliative care

 

  1. CLINICAL PRACTICE 3 – MOTOR DISORDERS (1.25 hours) –  $125 Register for this Module
  • Clinical Practice – MS and Parkinson’s Disease
    • Critically review and assess the current evidence for safety and efficacy of cannabis for MS and Parkinson’s disease
    • Explain the recent neuropharmacology of THC and the other cannabinoids
    • Apply evidence-based strategies for managing the patient with motor disorders, including formulation of the treatment plan when cannabinoids are used
    • Employ strategies that integrate care across disciplines
  • Clinical Practice – Seizures
    • Critically review and assess the current evidence for safety and efficacy of cannabis for seizures
    • Explain the recent research supporting the efficacy CBD for pediatric seizure conditions
    • Apply evidence-based strategies for managing the seizure patient, including formulation of the treatment plan when cannabinoids are used
    • Employ strategies that integrate care across disciplines