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Part 1

• Psychoactive Drugs and the Neurobiology of Addiction: Affinity, Intrinsic Action, & Efficacy.

• The Endocannabinoid System of the Brain: Endogenous Cannabinoids and Receptors.

• Defining the Terms: Cannabis (Marijuana), THC (Tetrahydrocannabinol), CBD (Cannabidiol) and Other Cannabinoids.

• So Many Oils: THC Oil, Marijuana Oil, Cannabis Oil, Hash Oil, CBD Oil, Hemp Seed Oil.

• The History and Botany of Cannabis. Food, Clothing, Paper, Oil, and Intoxication.

• The State of the Science: National Academy of Medicine Marijuana Research Summary.

• THC Routes of Administration: Smoking, Vaping, Eating, Drinking.

• The Dangers of Vaping: EVALI (Lung Injury Due to E-Cigarettes and Vaping). Toxicity of Vaping “Juices.”

• Recreational Marijuana: History and Current Use. Effects of State Legalization.

Part 2

• THC and Legal Issues. The 1970 Controlled Substances Act; Legal Status of THC at Federal and State Levels; Sales of Unregulated Cannabinoids.

• Synthetic Cannabinoids: Dangers of Spice/K2.

• Risky Business: THC and Potential Drug Interactions (Prescription, OTC, and Alcohol).

• Acute Marijuana Intoxication. Clinical Diagnosis, Management, and Testing Methods.

• Physiologic and Pathologic Effects of THC: Tolerance and Withdrawal, Long Term Effects, Pregnancy and Lactation; Effects on the Adolescent Brain.

• Oral Health Risks and Dental Complications. Caries, Periodontal Disease, and Cancers.

• Cannabis and Addiction: The DSM-5 and Cannabis Use Disorder: Gateway Drug Concerns.

• CBD: Myths, Realities, and Questions. Dosing and Purity of Cannabidiol Products.

• Medical Marijuana: Prescription and Non-prescription Use; Dronabinol (Marinol) and Nabilone (Cesamet) for Chemo-Induced Nausea and Vomiting; Cannabidiol (Epidiolex) for Epilepsy.

• Current and Potential Clinical Uses of Medical Cannabis: Chronic Pain, Cancer Pain, Neuropathic Pain, MS-Related Spasticity, PTSD, HIV and Cancer-Induced Wasting.

Learning Objectives

1. Describe the pharmacologic differences among cannabis (marijuana), THC and cannabinoids.
2. Discuss the major legal issues surrounding THC at the Federal and State levels.
3. List the physiologic and pathologic effects of marijuana (THC) including effects of long term use and potential harm to the adolescent brain.
4. Describe FDA-approved uses for medical marijuana and possible clinical uses for cannabis in chronic pain patients.
5. Explain the known dangers of vaping marijuana and development of EVALI (Lung Injury Due to E-Cigarettes and Vaping).
6. Recognize the signs and symptoms of acute marijuana intoxication.
7. Discuss the myths and realities surrounding the explosion of CBD products across the country.
8. Describe how the information in this course can be utilized to improve patient care and patient outcomes.
9. Describe, for this course, the implications for dentistry, mental health, nursing, and other healthcare professions.