Medical Cannabis Course

Lesson 1 • Taxonomy and Species Classification

Covers Cannabis sativa, indica, and ruderalis distinctions plus hybrid classification. Establishes botanical vocabulary essential for clinical and dispensary communication.

Lesson 2 • Genetics, Breeding, and Chemovars

Explores selective breeding, genetic markers, and chemovar standardization. Prepares students to interpret certificates of analysis and strain documentation.

Lesson 3 • Terpene and Flavonoid Profiles

Identifies major terpenes and flavonoids and their biosynthetic origins. Links specific compounds to aroma, flavor, and pharmacological synergy.

Lesson 4 • Plant Anatomy and Growth Stages

Examines root, stem, leaf, and flower structures across germination to harvest. Connects morphology to cannabinoid and terpene production timing.

Lesson 1 • Cannabinoid Receptors CB1 and CB2

Details receptor structure, tissue distribution, and downstream signaling cascades. Differentiates CNS-dominant CB1 from immune-dominant CB2 functions.

Lesson 2 • Endogenous Cannabinoids and Enzymes

Examines anandamide and 2-AG synthesis, release, and degradation pathways. Connects enzyme activity to therapeutic targets for cannabis-based interventions.

Lesson 3 • ECS Discovery and Overview

Traces the historical discovery of CB1 and CB2 receptors and endogenous ligands. Frames the ECS as a master regulatory system across body systems.

Lesson 4 • ECS in Disease and Dysfunction

Analyses clinical endocannabinoid deficiency and ECS dysregulation in pathology. Provides mechanistic rationale for medical cannabis across multiple conditions.

Lesson 1 • Minor Cannabinoids: CBG, CBN, CBC, THCV

Profiles pharmacological actions of emerging minor cannabinoids and their therapeutic potential. Prepares students to counsel patients on full-spectrum vs. isolate products.

Lesson 2 • Pharmacokinetics: Absorption and Distribution

Compares absorption rates across inhalation, oral, sublingual, and topical routes. Explains lipophilicity, plasma binding, and tissue distribution patterns.

Lesson 3 • CBD Pharmacodynamics and Mechanisms

Examines CBD's multi-target pharmacology including allosteric modulation and FAAH inhibition. Distinguishes CBD's non-psychoactive profile from THC.

Lesson 4 • Metabolism and Elimination

Details hepatic CYP450 metabolism of THC to 11-OH-THC and THCCOOH. Covers elimination half-life variability and implications for drug testing.

Lesson 1 • Pain Management Applications

Reviews RCT and observational data for neuropathic, inflammatory, and cancer pain. Positions cannabis within multimodal pain management frameworks.

Lesson 2 • Neurological and Psychiatric Conditions

Analyzes evidence for epilepsy, MS spasticity, PTSD, and anxiety disorders. Distinguishes FDA-approved indications from emerging clinical applications.

Lesson 3 • Gastrointestinal and Autoimmune Disorders

Reviews cannabis use in IBD, IBS, and autoimmune conditions via ECS gut-immune axis. Identifies gaps between patient use and clinical evidence.

Lesson 4 • Sleep, Glaucoma, and Emerging Indications

Evaluates sleep architecture effects, intraocular pressure reduction, and novel indications. Teaches evidence grading to distinguish established from speculative uses.

Lesson 1 • Edibles, Tinctures, and Capsules

Analyzes oral and sublingual formulations for onset delay, duration, and dose variability. Addresses patient education challenges unique to oral administration.

Lesson 2 • Inhalation: Smoking and Vaporization

Compares combustion and vaporization for bioavailability, onset, and pulmonary risk. Guides clinical decisions on inhalation route appropriateness.

Lesson 3 • Dosing Principles and Titration Strategies

Applies start-low-go-slow titration, THC:CBD ratios, and therapeutic windows. Builds individualised dosing frameworks accounting for tolerance and comorbidities.

Lesson 4 • Topicals, Transdermal, and Suppositories

Examines localized vs. systemic delivery through skin and mucosal routes. Identifies appropriate patient populations for non-inhalation, non-oral routes.

Lesson 1 • Risk-Benefit Analysis and Informed Consent

Structures formal risk-benefit assessment and informed consent documentation processes. Ensures patients receive complete, unbiased information before treatment initiation.

Lesson 2 • Drug-Drug Interactions

Analyzes CYP450-mediated interactions between cannabinoids and common medications. Prioritizes high-risk combinations including anticoagulants and antiepileptics.

Lesson 3 • Acute Adverse Effects and Toxicity

Catalogs dose-dependent acute effects including anxiety, tachycardia, and psychosis risk. Establishes clinical thresholds for intervention and patient monitoring.

Lesson 4 • Vulnerable Populations and Contraindications

Defines absolute and relative contraindications for pediatric, pregnant, and psychiatric patients. Guides risk stratification before initiating cannabis therapy.

Lesson 1 • Workplace and Employment Compliance

Addresses drug testing policies, healthcare professional licensing, and workplace accommodation issues. Prepares practitioners for employment-related cannabis policy navigation.

Lesson 2 • Licensing and Operational Compliance

Covers cultivation, processing, dispensary, and testing facility licensing categories. Connects license type to operational scope and regulatory obligations.

Lesson 3 • Quality Assurance and Testing Standards

Details mandatory testing panels for potency, pesticides, heavy metals, and microbials. Teaches COA interpretation and product release decision-making.

Lesson 4 • Seed-to-Sale Tracking Systems

Explains mandatory track-and-trace systems for inventory accountability and diversion prevention. Prepares students to operate within electronic tracking platforms.

Lesson 1 • Patient Education and Counseling

Delivers structured patient education on administration, storage, and adverse effect recognition. Applies health literacy principles to diverse patient populations.

Lesson 2 • Follow-Up, Monitoring, and Discontinuation

Establishes follow-up intervals, outcome reassessment, and tapering protocols. Guides clinical decisions on continuation, dose adjustment, or discontinuation.

Lesson 3 • Treatment Plan Development

Constructs individualized treatment plans specifying product, route, dose, and titration schedule. Integrates cannabis into broader multimodal care plans.

Lesson 4 • Comprehensive Patient Intake and History

Structures cannabis-specific intake covering medical history, prior use, and goals. Identifies red flags and contraindications during initial assessment.