Course Summary
Practice Level: Intermediate
Note: This learning material is based on the Cannabis (Marijuana) Research Report (2020) published by the National Institute of Drug Abuse.
Marijuana use is prevalent and more socially acceptable than in years past, likely, in part, because of its legalization in many states across America. While marijuana can provide benefits to its users, it also can have negative consequences on individuals’ physical, mental, and social wellbeing. The purpose of this introductory course is to provide social workers, psychologists, marriage and family therapists, and counselors with the most up-to-date science regarding marijuana use and its potential effects on a person’s health. This learning material is based on the Cannabis (Marijuana) Research Report (2020) published by the National Institute of Drug Abuse, which is part of the National Institutes of Health. The report explores current research about marijuana. It includes statistics about the scope of marijuana use in the United States, information about health consequences associated with marijuana use, and marijuana’s effects on a person’s everyday activities.
Clinicians can use the information found in this course to inform conversations they have with clients looking to assess marijuana use in their lives. Along with providing answers to some commonly asked questions regarding marijuana, this learning material also presents brief information regarding available treatments for marijuana use disorders. Other topics covered include and are not limited to the link between marijuana use and psychiatric disorders, marijuana as medicine, and effects of secondhand exposure to marijuana smoke.
Course Format
This course contains downloadable online lessons (PDF) and a practice test.
Learning Objectives
- Explain how THC interacts with the brain.
- Identify negative effects of marijuana use.
- Recognize treatments available for marijuana use disorders.
Course Syllabus
- What is marijuana?
- What is the Scope of Cannabis (Marijuana) Use in the United States?
- What Are Marijuana’s Effects?
- How Does Marijuana Produce Its Effects?
- Does Marijuana Use Affect Driving?
- Is Marijuana Addictive?
- What Are Marijuana’s Long-Term Effects on the Brain?
- Is Marijuana a Gateway Drug?
- How Does Marijuana Use Affect School, Work, and Social life?
- Is There a Link Between Marijuana Use and Psychiatric Disorders?
- What are Marijuana’s Effects on Lung Health?
- What are Marijuana’s Effects on Other Aspects of Physical Health?
- Is Marijuana Safe and Effective as Medicine?
- What are the Effects of Secondhand Exposure to Marijuana Smoke?
- Can Marijuana Use During and After Pregnancy Harm the Baby?
- Available Treatments for Marijuana Use Disorders
- Where Can I get Further Information About Marijuana?
- References
Authors
National Institute on Drug Abuse
William A. Cook, PhD
William A. Cook, Ph.D. is a licensed psychologist who worked for 15 years in private practice in Montana before leaving his practice to work full time as theDirector of CE4Less. He earned his doctorate degree from Texas A&M University, and focused much of his psychology practice in the area of child and family counseling, as well as psychological testing. Dr. Cook likes new challenges, foreign traveling to Africa and areas of Europe and the near East, scuba diving, running, music, and spending time with his family.
Accreditation Approval Statements
CE4Less.com is approved by the American Psychological Association to sponsor continuing education for psychologists. CE4Less.com maintains responsibility for this program and its content.
CE4Less.com, provider #1115, is approved as an ACE provider to offer social work continuing education by the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) Approved Continuing Education (ACE) program. Regulatory boards are the final authority on courses accepted for continuing education credit. ACE provider approval period: 08/08/21-08/08/24.
Social workers completing this course receive 1 general continuing education credits.
CE4Less.com has been approved by NBCC as an Approved Continuing Education Provider, ACEP No. 6991. Programs that do not qualify for NBCC credit are clearly identified. CE4Less.com is solely responsible for all aspects of the programs.
