Cannabis, commonly known as marijuana, is frequently sought after by patients for the management of various conditions. The primary medical indications of marijuana are to relieve symptoms rather than cure underlying diseases. Conversely, many clinicians hesitate to prescribe marijuana due to the limited availability of clinical trials and a lack of awareness regarding the potential risks and benefits associated with the substance. Marijuana comprises over 400 compounds, such as flavonoids, terpenoids, and cannabinoids. Among these, cannabinoids are the active ingredients that exhibit individual interactive effects that collectively contribute to marijuana’s overall impact. FDA-approved analogs of marijuana include cannabidiol (CBD), dronabinol, and nabilone. Medical marijuana lacks approval from the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for treating any medical condition. Nevertheless, cannabidiol marks a notable exception as the first FDA-approved drug containing a purified substance derived from marijuana. The primary cannabinoid in marijuana is tetrahydrocannabinol, or THC, which is responsible for the psychoactive effects sought by recreational users and the therapeutic effects of the drug. Although ongoing research continues to elucidate the mechanism of action, it is established that the brain and peripheral tissues harbor widespread cannabinoid receptors forming the endocannabinoid system. The endocannabinoid system regulates metabolism, appetite, blood pressure, glycemic control, immune response, and sense of reward. This activity reviews the current indications, administration, and contraindications for medical marijuana, providing the interprofessional healthcare team with the necessary skills to care for patients who use or are considering using marijuana to alleviate their symptoms.
- Provider:StatPearls, LLC
- Activity Link: https://www.statpearls.com/ArticleLibrary/viewarticle/24747
- Start Date: 2023-09-01 05:00:00
- End Date: 2023-09-01 05:00:00
- Credit Details: AMA PRA Category 1 Credit™️: 1.5 hours
Nursing: 1.5 hours
Pharmacy: 1.5 hours - MOC Credit Details: ABS - 1.5 Point; Credit Type(s): Accredited CME (ABS)
ABPATH - 1.5 Point; Credit Type(s): Lifelong Learning (ABPATH)
ABA - 1.5 Point; Credit Type(s): Lifelong Learning (ABA)
ABIM - 1.5 Point; Credit Type(s): Medical Knowledge (ABIM)
ABS - 1.5 Point; Credit Type(s): Self-Assessment (ABS)
ABP - 1.5 Point; Credit Type(s): Lifelong Learning and Self-Assessment (ABP) - Commercial Support: No
- Activity Type: Enduring Material
- CME Finder Type: Online Learning
- Fee to Participate: Variable
- Measured Outcome: Learner Knowledge, Learner/Team Competence
- Provider Ship: Directly Provided
- Registration: Open to all
- Specialty: Adolescent Medicine, Chemical Pathology, Forensic Pathology, General Pediatrics, General Surgery, Geriatric Medicine, Internal Medicine, Medical Toxicology, Pain Medicine, Pediatric Emergency Medicine, Sleep Medicine