Medical Cannabis from edX

In this course, medical and scientific topics related to therapeutic uses, delivery methods, and bioavailability of medical cannabis will be covered. Topics include how major and minor cannabinoids interact with the endocannabinoid system. Furthermore, the entourage effect, dose-response relationships, drug tolerance, side effects, and dependence will be discussed. The medicinal, health, and wellness benefits of major and minor cannabinoids, terpenes, and endocannabinoids and how these relate to adaptomers and homeostasis will be covered.

What you'll learn

Students will gain a solid understanding of the compounds in cannabis, including cannabinoids, terpenes, and other phytocompounds, and their medicinal and therapeutic applications. Students learn how these cannabinoids interact with the nervous receptors in the endocannabinoid system. Students will be able to identify and distinguish the differences and similarities of major and minor cannabinoids and how they affect human health. Students will be able to interpret medical cannabis research results and make conclusions on their applications.

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Develops understanding of compounds in cannabis, including cannabinoids, terpenes, and other phytocompounds, and their medicinal and therapeutic applications

Examines how cannabinoids interact with the nervous receptors in the endocannabinoid system

Teaches how to identify and distinguish the differences and similarities of major and minor cannabinoids and how they affect human health

Provides ability to interpret medical cannabis research results and make conclusions on their applications

Reviews summary

Positive start for medical cannabis

Learners say that Medical Cannabis is a great course that provides a lot of great information. One student says that they look forward to taking more courses on this topic.

Students largely enjoyed this course and found the materials engaging.

"Great course I enjoyed every bit of information in this course.."

"look forward to taking more and going further"

"Great material and instructor is knowledgeable."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Medical Cannabis with these activities:

Review learning materials

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Review any class notes, assignments, quizzes, exams, and readings (if available) before the course begins to build a baseline of information.

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Review the Anatomy and Physiology of the Endocannabinoid System

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Refreshing your understanding of the endocannabinoid system will provide a strong foundation for understanding the therapeutic uses of medical cannabis.

Browse courses on Endocannabinoid System

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Review the different components of the endocannabinoid system, including the endocannabinoids, receptors, and enzymes.
Describe the role of the endocannabinoid system in regulating various physiological processes, such as pain, inflammation, and mood.
Identify the key differences between the endocannabinoid system and the opioid system.

Review the endocannabinoid system

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The endocannabinoid system is a key part of understanding how medical cannabis works. Firstly, review the endocannabinoid system structure, function, and regulation.

Browse courses on Endocannabinoid System

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Review the literature on the endocannabinoid system
Create a mind map or diagram to outline the system

Six other activities

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Practice identifying and comparing cannabinoids

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Practice identifying different cannabinoids and their molecular structures and comparing their chemical properties and effects on the body.

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Review the structural formulas of major and minor cannabinoids
Compare and contrast the effects of different cannabinoids on the body
Create a table or chart summarizing the information

Develop a research proposal for a study on the effects of medical cannabis

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To develop a deep understanding of medical cannabis and its effects on the body, create a research proposal with a clear hypothesis and methodology for a study on its therapeutic uses.

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Identify a specific research question related to medical cannabis
Develop a hypothesis and objectives for the study
Determine the appropriate research design and methodology
Identify potential ethical considerations and how to address them

Create a presentation on the medicinal uses of cannabis

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Create a presentation that summarizes the medicinal uses of cannabis, including its potential benefits and risks.

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Research the medicinal uses of cannabis
Organize the information into a logical flow
Create visual aids to support the presentation
Practice delivering the presentation

Volunteer at a medical cannabis dispensary

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Volunteer at a local dispensary to gain firsthand experience with medical cannabis and interact with patients.

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Contact dispensaries and inquire about volunteer opportunities
Complete any required training or orientation
Assist patients with product selection and provide information
Maintain a professional and compassionate demeanor

Follow tutorials on cannabis cultivation and extraction techniques

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Follow online tutorials and resources to learn about different techniques for cultivating and extracting cannabis.

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Identify reputable sources for tutorials
Select tutorials that align with interests and skill level
Follow the instructions and document any challenges or successes
Share experiences and knowledge with others in the field

Mentor a student interested in medical cannabis

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Share knowledge and experience by mentoring a student interested in learning more about medical cannabis.

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Reach out to organizations or platforms that facilitate student mentorship
Identify potential mentees and establish a connection
Create a personalized mentoring plan based on the mentee's needs
Provide guidance, support, and encouragement throughout the mentoring journey

Career center

Learners who complete Medical Cannabis will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Cannabis Consultant

As a Cannabis Consultant, you may help clients gain access to appropriate medical cannabis therapies, and make informed decisions around which treatments are appropriate for them. This course may help you develop a more thorough understanding of a range of cannabinoid-based treatments, which you can then use to prepare your clients for the process of selecting and using cannabis-based products.

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Medical Marijuana Consultant

As a Medical Marijuana Consultant, you may be able to provide support and education to patients who are considering or already using medical marijuana. Using the lessons learned in this course, you may be able to help clients discover the best delivery methods and dosages of cannabis for their particular needs. You might also help to address concerns about side effects, drug tolerance, and dependence.

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Cannabinoid Therapist

As a Cannabinoid Therapist, you may help clients who are seeking treatment with cannabis. This often may include severe pain or long-term medical conditions. The information in this course may be useful as you work to develop a personalized treatment approach for each client, as it teaches about the medicinal health and wellness benefits of major and minor cannabinoids, terpenes, and endocannabinoids.

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Cannabis Cultivation Specialist

As a Cannabis Cultivation Specialist, you may be responsible for growing and harvesting cannabis plants. This course can provide you with a foundation in the science of cannabis cultivation. You may learn about the different factors that can affect plant growth and yield, and how to optimize growing conditions. This knowledge may help you to produce high-quality cannabis products.

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Cannabis Dispensary Manager

Cannabis Dispensary Managers oversee the day-to-day operations of a cannabis dispensary. This course can help you learn about the different types of cannabis products available, their effects, and how to advise customers on their use. You may be able to use this knowledge to create a positive and informative experience for customers.

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Cannabis Product Developer

Cannabis Product Developers are responsible for creating and improving cannabis products, such as edibles, topicals, and concentrates. The knowledge gained in this course may be helpful as you work to develop new products that meet the needs of different consumers. You may use your understanding of the entourage effect, dose-response relationships, and side effects to create products that are safe and effective.

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Cannabis Research Scientist

As a Cannabis Research Scientist, you may work on projects that evaluate the effects of cannabis and cannabinoids on human health. This course may help you build a foundation in understanding how cannabinoids interact with the human body, and the potential benefits this may have. You may then be able to use this knowledge to develop and conduct studies on cannabis.

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Cannabis Quality Assurance Analyst

As a Cannabis Quality Assurance Analyst, you may work to ensure that cannabis products meet safety and quality standards. This course may be useful to you as it teaches about the different compounds found in cannabis and how they can affect human health. You may be able to use this knowledge to develop and implement quality control measures for cannabis products.

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Cannabis Advocate

As a Cannabis Advocate, you may work to promote the legalization and acceptance of cannabis. This course may help you understand the history of cannabis prohibition and the arguments for and against legalization. You may be able to use this knowledge to advocate for policies that promote public health and safety.

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Cannabis Attorney

Cannabis Attorneys provide legal advice to businesses and individuals in the cannabis industry. This course may help you understand the legal issues surrounding cannabis, including cultivation, distribution, and sale. You may be able to use this knowledge to help clients navigate the complex legal landscape of the cannabis industry.

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Cannabis Policy Analyst

As a Cannabis Policy Analyst, you may work to develop and implement policies related to cannabis. This course may help you understand the complex legal and regulatory landscape of the cannabis industry. You may be able to use this knowledge to advocate for policies that promote public health and safety.

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Cannabis Entrepreneur

As a Cannabis Entrepreneur, you may start and operate a business in the cannabis industry. This course may help you understand the business side of the cannabis industry, including marketing, finance, and operations. You may be able to use this knowledge to develop a successful cannabis business.

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Cannabis Educator

As a Cannabis Educator, you may teach about cannabis to a variety of audiences, including patients, healthcare professionals, and the general public. This course may help you develop a deep understanding of the science of cannabis and its potential therapeutic benefits. You may be able to use this knowledge to create educational materials and programs that inform and empower others.

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Healthcare Professional

As a Healthcare Professional, you may provide medical care to patients who use cannabis. This course may help you understand the potential benefits and risks of cannabis use, and how to make informed decisions about prescribing or recommending cannabis to patients. You may also be able to provide education to patients and the public about cannabis use.

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Researcher

As a Researcher, you may conduct research on the effects of cannabis on human health. This course may help you develop the skills and knowledge necessary to design and conduct research studies on cannabis. You may be able to use this knowledge to contribute to the growing body of research on cannabis and its potential therapeutic benefits.

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