Marijuana: Findings, Transformations, Cannabis Use Disorder, and Treatment

Marijuana: Findings, Transformations, 
Cannabis Use Disorder, and Treatment

DATE: Tuesday, May 21, 2019 1:00 p.m. ET, 12:00 p.m. CT
COST: FREE
DURATION: 1 hour

Many states have now legalized both medical and recreational use of marijuana despite increasing medical evidence that demonstrate its use, especially in its newer highly potent forms (“dabs, vapes, edibles”) and synthetic cannabinoids (“Spice”), result in addiction and medical or mental health problems. Increased use, especially by youth, has resulted in increased reports and studies associating its use to accidents, adverse medical/law enforcement interventions, psychosis, thought disorders, loss of IQ, seizures, syncope, hyperemesis, as well as heart and other medical complications. This presentation will look at marijuana as a drug: Its mental health and abuse complications as well as its potential benefits in the treatment of some medical disorders. The botany, chemistry, pharmacology, impact on the adolescent brain, and especially the 8-9% of users who develop Cannabis Use Disorder (CUD) will be explored. Current treatments of CUD will also be reviewed.

As a result of this presentation, attendees will be 
able to:

• Discuss the current trends in marijuana abuse and cite at least three products that greatly increase the potential toxicity of marijuana
• Name at least two common examples of phytocannabinoids, endocannabinoids, and synthetic cannabinoids
• List at least three major withdrawal symptoms of cannabis use disorder
• Identify at least three physical signs of cannabis withdrawal and discuss cannabis use disorder and its treatment
• Recognize at least three new health concerns regarding the use of marijuana and two major interactions of its use with other therapeutic medications