We may earn an affiliate commission when you visit our partners.
Course image
Kent Hutchison

This Cannabis, Mental Health, and Brain Disorders course is designed to have you think critically about the health effects of cannabis (i.e., marijuana) in the context of several mental health and neurocognitive disorders. You'll be able to identify key features of several anxiety disorders (e.g., panic disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, social anxiety disorder, PTSD), major depression, schizophrenia, multiple sclerosis, epilepsy, traumatic brain injury, and Alzheimer's and Parkinson's Disease. You'll understand the etiology and risk factors for these disorders, recognize conventional treatments, and understand the influence of different cannabinoids such as THC and CBD on these disorders. Obtaining this knowledge will be helpful in terms of informing public policy, public health, and personal decisions regarding the use of cannabis products.

Enroll now

Two deals to help you save

We found two deals and offers that may be relevant to this course.
Save money when you learn. All coupon codes, vouchers, and discounts are applied automatically unless otherwise noted.

What's inside

Syllabus

Anxiety Disorders and Cannabis
In this module, we will learn about the key features of anxiety disorders and PTSD. We will discuss the epidemiology and etiology of these disorders, as well as the current treatments used to treat these disorders. Lastly, we will evaluate the literature on cannabis for treating anxiety and PTSD.
Read more
Mood Disorders, Psychosis, and Cannabis
In this module, we will learn about the key features of depression and schizophrenia. We will discuss the etiology and risk factors for these disorders, as well as the common treatments used to treat them. Lastly, we will evaluate the research on the effects of cannabis on these disorders.
Neurocognitive/Brain Disorders Part I
In this module, we will learn about the key features of multiple sclerosis, epilepsy, and traumatic brain injury. We will discuss the epidemiology and etiology of these conditions, as well as the current treatments used to treat them. Lastly, we will evaluate the research on the effects of cannabis on these disorders.
Neurocognitive/Brain Disorders Part II
In this module, we will learn about the key features of Parkinson's and Alzheimer's Disease. We will discuss the etiology and risk factors for these diseases, as well as the common treatments used. Lastly, we will cover how cannabis may influence these diseases.

Good to know

Know what's good
, what to watch for
, and possible dealbreakers
Covers impact of cannabis on a wide array of mental health and brain disorders, from anxiety to Parkinson's and Alzheimer's
Instructed by Kent Hutchison, an expert on cannabis and mental health
Provides a critical understanding of the health effects of cannabis in the context of mental health disorders
Informs public policy, public health, and personal decisions regarding the use of cannabis products
Requires students to have a basic understanding of mental health disorders and pharmacology
Does not include hands-on labs or interactive materials

Save this course

Save Cannabis, Mental Health, and Brain Disorders to your list so you can find it easily later:
Save

Reviews summary

Cannabis, mental health, and brain disorders

Learners say this course is highly recommended and engaging. Excellent information is well presented with great content. Students especially enjoy the assignments and recommend the course to others.
Enjoyable and educational
"I really enjoy the course"
"Really enjoyed this module"
"loved the course mainly assignments and activities"
"I learned a lot about how cannabis can help"
"Nice. In line with my education"
Informative and well presented
"good "
"Outstanding program!"
"excellent information"
"Great content"
"This was an amazing introduction to brain science and cannabis"
"informative as always"
"Curso muy interesante"
"excellent course outline and material"
Overwhelmingly positive
"g​ood course"
"g​reat course!! "
"Outstanding program!"
"excellent information"
"it was amazing course "
"Great content"
"This was an amazing introduction to brain science and cannabis"
"informative as always"
"Curso muy interesante"
"excellent course outline and material"
Some information may be out of date
"Some outdated material"
"I also think that the course could be updated with info about cannabis use and it's effects on COVID 19"
Limited opportunities to connect with instructors
"zero interaction with the school/instructors"
"I do not feel like there is any interaction between the instructor and the students"
"The thing that most disturbs me about the way Coursera has evolved is that the learning is siloed"

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 Cannabis, Mental Health, and Brain Disorders with these activities:
Review Neuroscience Basics
Refresh your knowledge of basic neuroscience concepts to better understand the effects of cannabis on the brain.
Browse courses on Neuroscience
Show steps
  • Review your notes or textbooks from previous neuroscience courses.
  • Read articles or watch videos that provide an overview of the nervous system, neurotransmitters, and brain function.
  • Take practice quizzes or tests to assess your understanding.
Follow Video Tutorials on Cannabis Research
Supplement your understanding of cannabis and its effects on mental health by watching video tutorials created by experts in the field.
Show steps
  • Search for video tutorials on cannabis research on platforms like YouTube or Coursera.
  • Select tutorials that cover topics relevant to the course, such as the efficacy of cannabis for treating anxiety disorders or schizophrenia.
  • Take notes or summarize the key points from the videos.
Practice Identifying Different Types of Anxiety Disorders
Reinforce your understanding of the distinct characteristics of anxiety disorders by completing practice drills.
Browse courses on Anxiety Disorders
Show steps
  • Find online practice tests or quizzes on anxiety disorders.
  • Take the practice drills to test your ability to identify different types of anxiety disorders based on their symptoms.
  • Review your answers and identify areas where you need further clarification.
Three other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all six activities
Join a Study Group to Discuss Course Material
Enhance your understanding and retention of the course material by engaging in discussions with peers.
Show steps
  • Find or create a study group with other students enrolled in the course.
  • Meet regularly to discuss the course material, share insights, and quiz each other.
  • Prepare questions or topics for discussion in advance to make the sessions more productive.
Attend a Workshop on Medical Cannabis
Expand your knowledge and gain practical insights into the medical applications of cannabis by attending a workshop.
Browse courses on Medical Cannabis
Show steps
  • Research and identify reputable workshops on medical cannabis in your area.
  • Attend the workshop and actively participate in discussions.
  • Take notes and gather materials provided by the workshop organizers.
Design a Cannabis Educational Pamphlet
Apply your knowledge of cannabis and its effects on mental health by creating an educational resource for the general public.
Show steps
  • Gather information on the potential benefits and risks of cannabis use for different mental health conditions.
  • Design a pamphlet that clearly explains this information in a non-biased manner.
  • Include resources for further information and support.

Career center

Learners who complete Cannabis, Mental Health, and Brain Disorders will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Mental Health Counselor
Mental Health Counselors work to help people who are dealing with mental health challenges. They may work with individuals, groups, or families, and they may provide a variety of services, such as therapy, counseling, and crisis intervention. This course can help you understand the different mental health disorders that people may face, and it can also help you learn about the different treatments that are available. This knowledge can be helpful in your work as a Mental Health Counselor, as it can help you to provide better care to your clients.
Substance Abuse Counselor
Substance Abuse Counselors work to help people who are struggling with addiction. They may work with individuals, groups, or families, and they may provide a variety of services, such as therapy, counseling, and case management. This course can help you understand the different types of substance abuse disorders, and it can also help you learn about the different treatments that are available. This knowledge can be helpful in your work as a Substance Abuse Counselor, as it can help you to provide better care to your clients.
Addiction Counselor
Addiction Counselors work with people who are addicted to drugs or alcohol. They help them to understand their addiction and develop strategies for recovery. This course can help you understand the different types of addiction, and it can also help you learn about the different treatments that are available. This knowledge can be helpful in your work as an Addiction Counselor, as it can help you to provide better care to your clients.
Case Manager
Case Managers work with people who are facing a variety of challenges, such as mental illness, addiction, or homelessness. They help them to access the resources that they need, and they provide support and guidance. This course can help you understand the different challenges that people may face, and it can also help you learn about the different resources that are available. This knowledge can be helpful in your work as a Case Manager, as it can help you to provide better care to your clients.
Psychiatric Nurse
Psychiatric Nurses work with people who are experiencing mental illness. They provide a variety of services, such as therapy, counseling, and medication management. This course can help you understand the different mental health disorders that people may face, and it can also help you learn about the different treatments that are available. This knowledge can be helpful in your work as a Psychiatric Nurse, as it can help you to provide better care to your patients.
Social Worker
Social Workers work with people who are facing a variety of challenges, such as poverty, homelessness, and mental illness. They help them to access the resources that they need, and they provide support and guidance. This course can help you understand the different challenges that people may face, and it can also help you learn about the different resources that are available. This knowledge can be helpful in your work as a Social Worker, as it can help you to provide better care to your clients.
Psychologist
Psychologists work with people who are experiencing mental health challenges. They provide a variety of services, such as therapy, counseling, and testing. This course can help you understand the different mental health disorders that people may face, and it can also help you learn about the different treatments that are available. This knowledge can be helpful in your work as a Psychologist, as it can help you to provide better care to your clients.
Psychiatrist
Psychiatrists are medical doctors who specialize in the treatment of mental health disorders. They provide a variety of services, such as medication management, therapy, and counseling. This course can help you understand the different mental health disorders that people may face, and it can also help you learn about the different treatments that are available. This knowledge can be helpful in your work as a Psychiatrist, as it can help you to provide better care to your patients.
Medical Assistant
Medical Assistants work in a variety of settings, including hospitals, clinics, and doctor's offices. They perform a variety of tasks, such as taking vital signs, drawing blood, and giving injections. This course can help you learn about the different medical conditions that people may face, and it can also help you learn about the different treatments that are available. This knowledge can be helpful in your work as a Medical Assistant, as it can help you to provide better care to your patients.
Health Educator
Health Educators work to promote health and well-being. They may work in a variety of settings, such as schools, community centers, and hospitals. This course can help you learn about the different health issues that people face, and it can also help you learn about the different ways to promote health and well-being. This knowledge can be helpful in your work as a Health Educator, as it can help you to develop and implement effective health education programs.
Clinical Research Coordinator
Clinical Research Coordinators work on research studies that involve human subjects. They help to design and implement studies, and they collect and analyze data. This course can help you learn about the different types of clinical research studies that are conducted, and it can also help you learn about the different methods that are used to collect and analyze data. This knowledge can be helpful in your work as a Clinical Research Coordinator, as it can help you to design and implement better research studies.
Policy Analyst
Policy Analysts research and analyze policies, and they make recommendations for changes. They may work in a variety of settings, such as government, non-profit organizations, and think tanks. This course can help you learn about the different types of policies that are made, and it can also help you learn about the different methods that are used to analyze policies. This knowledge can be helpful in your work as a Policy Analyst, as it can help you to develop and analyze better policies.
Pharmacist
Pharmacists dispense medication and provide information about medications to patients. They may work in a variety of settings, such as pharmacies, hospitals, and clinics. This course can help you learn about the different types of medications that are available, and it can also help you learn about the different ways to use medications safely and effectively. This knowledge can be helpful in your work as a Pharmacist, as it can help you to provide better care to your patients.
Dietitian
Dietitians help people to make healthy choices about food and nutrition. They may work in a variety of settings, such as hospitals, clinics, and schools. This course can help you learn about the different types of foods that are available, and it can also help you learn about the different ways to eat healthy. This knowledge can be helpful in your work as a Dietitian, as it can help you to provide better care to your clients.
Exercise Physiologist
Exercise Physiologists help people to improve their physical fitness. They may work in a variety of settings, such as gyms, hospitals, and clinics. This course can help you learn about the different types of exercise that are available, and it can also help you learn about the different ways to exercise safely and effectively. This knowledge can be helpful in your work as an Exercise Physiologist, as it can help you to provide better care to your clients.

Reading list

We've selected six books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Cannabis, Mental Health, and Brain Disorders.
This report from the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine provides a comprehensive overview of the current state of evidence on the health effects of cannabis and cannabinoids. It valuable resource for anyone interested in learning more about this topic.
Provides a comprehensive overview of the clinical research on cannabis. It valuable resource for anyone interested in learning more about this topic.
Provides a comprehensive overview of the clinical research on cannabis and multiple sclerosis. It valuable resource for anyone interested in learning more about this topic.
Provides a comprehensive overview of the clinical research on cannabis and the immune system. It valuable resource for anyone interested in learning more about this topic.
Provides a concise overview of the history, chemistry, and pharmacology of cannabinoids. It valuable resource for anyone interested in learning more about this topic.
This influential book challenges the war on drugs and presents an alternative perspective on cannabis policy, providing a historical and sociopolitical context.

Share

Help others find this course page by sharing it with your friends and followers:

Similar courses

Here are nine courses similar to Cannabis, Mental Health, and Brain Disorders.
Mental Health, Mindfulness, and Self-Care
Most relevant
Cannabis, Chronic Pain, and Related Disorders
Most relevant
Increasing Mental Health Awareness for Improved...
Most relevant
Major Depression in the Population: A Public Health...
Most relevant
Healthy Aging and the Future of Cannabis Research
Most relevant
Behavioral Neuroscience: Contrasting Tests for Anxiety...
Most relevant
Behavioral Neuroscience: Advanced Insights from Mouse...
Most relevant
#talkmentalillness
Most relevant
Eating Disorders
Most relevant
Our mission

OpenCourser helps millions of learners each year. People visit us to learn workspace skills, ace their exams, and nurture their curiosity.

Our extensive catalog contains over 50,000 courses and twice as many books. Browse by search, by topic, or even by career interests. We'll match you to the right resources quickly.

Find this site helpful? Tell a friend about us.

Affiliate disclosure

We're supported by our community of learners. When you purchase or subscribe to courses and programs or purchase books, we may earn a commission from our partners.

Your purchases help us maintain our catalog and keep our servers humming without ads.

Thank you for supporting OpenCourser.

© 2016 - 2024 OpenCourser