Fifty-five million American adults (16.9%) currently use Cannabis, thirty-five million on a monthly basis. Legalization in States is marching forward and evidence suggests its usage increases with legalization. Undoubtedly some of your patients, as well as some healthcare providers themselves are users.

This course will provide a knowledge of the pharmacology of cannabis, its changes to the physiology of your patients, and the oral consequences of continued usage in the longer term. We will also cover some of the promising therapeutic uses. The cultural and historical usage of cannabis will be woven into our current scientific knowledge in order to make the presentation entertaining.

At the completion of the program, you should understand:

• Endocannabinoid system, along with the Pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of cannabis
• Ways that cannabis is dosed beyond smoking effects of cannabis on the oral tissues
• Differences between THC and CBD
• How an active user’s BP and heart rate are affected
• Current thinking on dependence and addiction
  
• Association with Psychosis and Dementia and with memory
  
• Usefulness for neuropathic pain, PTSD and other maladies

Multiple review papers and specific statistics are all from peer reviewed journals whose references will be provided.

Intended Audience

All dental healthcare personnel