Medicinal Cannabis and Chronic Pain

Science-Based Education in Times of Legalization

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Developed for health professionals, this online training presents current information and clinical practice guidelines on the use of medicinal cannabis for the treatment of chronic pain.

The first module is a basic primer on the mechanism of action of medicinal cannabis, its medical uses, and Washington State law. The second module focuses on the best clinical practices associated with the recommendation of medicinal cannabis. This training will also provide tools that may be useful to health care providers in their discussion with patients about the use of medicinal cannabis in the treatment of chronic pain.

Please note: CME or other continuing education credits are no longer available for this training.

Funded by the Office of the WA State Attorney General
Updated in 2020 with support from I-502 funds to the Addictions, Drug & Alcohol Institute (ADAI), University of Washington.

Take the training

Module 1
Medicinal Cannabis and Chronic Pain: Education for Clinicians

At the end of this module, you will be able to:

1. Describe at least 3 unique characteristics of the endocannabinoid system.
2. Describe at least 3 potential therapeutic purposes and clinical indications of cannabis.
3. Identify the cannabis-based pharmaceuticals currently available in the US market and abroad.
4. Identify legal procedures in Washington state to recommend medicinal cannabis.

 Launch the training

Module 2
Medicinal Cannabis and Chronic Pain – Best Clinical Practices

At the end of this module, you will be able to:

1. Determine which patients may benefit from using medicinal cannabis for chronic pain.
2. Identify side effects and risks associated with the use of medicinal cannabis.
3. Describe how to titrate medicinal cannabis to best manage chronic pain.
4. Describe benefits and risks of 4 methods of medicinal cannabis delivery.

Launch the training

Contributors

Project Staff:
Beatriz Carlini, PhD, MPH, Project Director
Senior Research Scientist, ADAI, UW | Author & Planner
Affiliate Associate Professor, School of Public Health, UW

Sharon Garrett, MPH, MA, Project Director
Research Coordinator, ADAI, UW | Author & Planner

Meg Brunner, MLIS, Web Training Developer
Director of Information Services, ADAI, UW | Planner

Erinn McGraw, BFA, Web Training Developer
Public Information Specialist, ADAI, UW | Planner

CME Chair:
Susan Ferguson, PhD
Director, ADAI, UW | Activity Chair
Associate Professor, Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences, UW

Content Experts:
Gregory Carter, MD
Medical Director, St. Luke’s Rehabilitation Institute | Presenter & Reviewer
Clinical Instructor, MEDEX, UW

Ben Land, PhD
Research Assistant Professor, Pharmacology Dept, UW | Reviewer

Roger Roffman, DSW
Professor Emeritus, School of Social Work, UW | Presenter

Dennis Donovan, PhD
Former Director, Addictions, Drug & Alcohol Institute, UW
Professor Emeritus, Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences, UW | Presenter

Contributors have indicated that they have no financial relationships to disclose.