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:
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
