Marijuana & Other Cannabinoids

Course Description & Information:

  • Cannabinoids have probably been intertwined with humans for as long we have been a species. Endocannabinoids are a natural part of the transmitter systems of our bodies. Plant cannabinoids were likely serendipitously discovered by humans thousands of years go, but have been used continuously for practical, recreational, religious, and medical applications. It was much more recently that synthetic cannabinoids began to be investigated and used, both for recreational, and for medical research purposes. The legitimate research involving all three types of cannabinoids may result in the creation of new drugs to combat some difficult to address diseases. In the meantime, much attention has been given to recreational and medical applications of existing plant cannabinoids. Understanding what appropriate doses of cannabinoids are, and what they do in the body, as well as an elementary grasp of their known pharmacokinetics, can guide advice to patients and prescribers regarding their safe uses and doses. This course provides a background to the different types of cannabinoids, their approved uses, and appropriate doses. A fundamental presentation of cannabinoid pharmacology and pharmacokinetics is also provided, to assist understanding of cannabinoid nature and action. Level: Intermediate.
  • Pharmacist information: ACPE UAN: 0826-9999-23-010-L01-P, IRD: 7-17-2023. Knowledge based activity.
Course Objectives:

  • Differentiate the different types of cannabinoids.
  • Relate putative actions of the different types cannabinoids to known receptors in the body.
  • Explain the pharmacology and pharmacokinetics of cannabinoids, and how route of administration affects kinetics.
  • Justify why legitimate synthetic cannabinoid research may prove helpful in the future.
  • Summarize purity standards for recreational and medical tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD) products.
  • Estimate appropriate doses for recreational and medical cannabis products.
Learning Outcome: At least 80% of class participants will score 70% or greater on course post-test.



Course Credit: 2 Contact Hours

Accreditations: View Course Accreditations

Who Should Attend:

Pharmacists, Dietitians, Nursing professionals (2 nursing pharmacology hours), Physical Therapy and Occupational Therapy professionals, and other medical professionals.

Certificate Requirements:

  • Full attendance.
  • Completion of course post-test (70%) and evaluation.

How to Take a Live Online Seminar: View Tutorial