- Level Foundation
- Duration 17 hours
- Course by University of Colorado Boulder
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Offered by
About
This History of Medical Cannabis course is designed to have you think critically about past, present, and future research on the health effects of cannabis by developing a more nuanced understanding of the barriers to research as well as different approaches to research. You will learn about the history of cannabis cultivation, the legal history of cannabis or "marijuana", and the obstacles that led to the lack of science on its medicinal use. You will also learn how to critically evaluate research on the effects of cannabis and discuss the associated risks of using cannabis in the context of public health and epidemiological research. Finally, you will learn about how to administer cannabis products in ways that minimize risk and maximize any potential benefits. Obtaining this knowledge will be helpful in terms of informing public policy, public health, and personal decisions regarding the use of cannabis products.Modules
Course Overview, Review of Syllabus, Structure of the Course
2
Videos
- Introduction to Module
- Lecture - Introduction to Professor and Course
2
Readings
- Lecture PDF - Introduction to Professor and Course
- NAS Report (Including link to required materials)
Why is the Course Important?
1
Videos
- Lecture - Why is this topic (and course) important?
1
Readings
- Lecture PDF: Why is this topic important?
What is Cannabis? Plant biology, Hemp vs. MJ, phytocannabinoids and terpenes
2
Videos
- Lecture - What is Cannabis?
- Interview with Nolan Kane
1
Readings
- Lecture PDF - What is cannabis?
Physiological Effects of Cannabinoids in the Body
1
Videos
- Lecture - Physiological Effects of Cannabinoids in the Body
1
Readings
- Lecture PDF - What does cannabis do in the body?
More on Cannabinoids in the Brain
1
Videos
- Lecture - More on Cannabinoids in the Brain
2
Readings
- Lecture PDF: More on Cannabinoids in the Brain
- NAS Report
Deep Dive on Cannabinoid Pharmacology
2
Videos
- Lecture - Deep Dive on Cannabinoid Pharmacology
- Interview with Meg Haney
3
Readings
- Lecture PDF -Deep Dive on Cannabinoid Pharmacology
- Taming THC – Entourage Effect (Russo, 2011)
- The Case for the Entourage Effect (Russo, 2019)
History of Cannabis
2
Videos
- Introduction to Module
- Lecture - Cannabis History
4
Readings
- Lecture PDF - Cannabis History
- NAS Report - History of cannabis & its pharmacology
- History of Cannabis and Its Preparations in Saga, Science, and Sobriquet (Russo, 2007)
- The Pharmacological History of Cannabis (Russo, 2014)
History of Legality – War on Drugs, Social Justice, Here and Abroad
1
Videos
- Lecture - Legal History
2
Readings
- Lecture PDF - Legal History
- NAS Report - Cannabis policy
Post Legalization - Different Ways it is Legal in Different States, Countries
1
Videos
- Lecture - Legalization in States and Countries
1
Readings
- Lecture PDF - Legalization in States and Countries
Plethora of Different Products (Flower, Edibles, Topicals, Pharmaceuticals)
1
Videos
- Lecture - History of Products and Formulations
1
Readings
- Lecture PDF - History of Products and Formulations
Businesses Rolling in Money? Compared to Pharma, Alcohol, etc.
1
Assignment
- Quiz #1
2
Videos
- Lecture - Business Models - Are Marijuana Companies Rolling in Cash?
- Interview with Mark January
3
Readings
- Lecture PDF - Business Models
- Jeffrey Vinik thinks cannabis stocks are a bad idea: ‘Nobody’s going to make money’
- Marijuana is getting cheaper. For some states, that's a problem.
Barriers That Led to Lack of Science on Medicinal Use
2
Videos
- Introduction to Module
- Lecture - Barriers to Research
2
Readings
- Lecture PDF - Barriers to Research
- NAS Report - Barriers to cannabis research
More on Barriers at University Level and End Result of All of These Barriers
1
Videos
- Lecture - End Result of Barriers to Research
2
Readings
- Lecture PDF - End Result of Barriers to Research
- NAS Report - Research gap
How to Evaluate the Veracity of Reserach
1
Videos
- Lecture - How to Evaluate Evidence
2
Readings
- Lecture PDF - How to Evaluate Evidence
- Watch these Videos
Concepts of Internal and External Validity
1
Videos
- Lecture - Internal and External Validity
1
Readings
- Lecture PDF - Internal and External Validity
Role of the Placebo Effect in Cannabis Effects
1
Assignment
- Quiz #2
1
Peer Review
- Infographic Assignment #1
1
Videos
- Lecture - Placebo Effect
1
Readings
- Lecture PDF - Placebo Effect
Cannabis and the Brain
2
Videos
- Introduction to Module
- Lecture - Cannabis and Brain Morphology
3
Readings
- Lecture PDF - Cannabis and Brain Morphology
- NAS Report
- Dr. Carl Hart Debates Bill O'Reilly (Video)
Cannabis and the Brain Part II
1
Videos
- Lecture - Cannabis and the Brain Part II
1
Readings
- Lecture PDF - Cannabis and the Brain Part 2
Epidemiology of Cannabis Use
2
Videos
- Lecture - Impact of Legalization on Epidemiology
- Interview with Kevin Gray
1
Readings
- Lecture PDF - Impact of Legalization
Impact of Changes in Potency
1
Videos
- Lecture - Changes in Potency
1
Readings
- Lecture PDF - Changes in Potency
Public Health Data
1
Videos
- Lecture - Public Health Data
2
Readings
- Lecture PDF - Public Health Data
- Practical considerations in medical cannabis administration and dosing
Administration and Dosing Information
1
Assignment
- Quiz #3
1
Discussions
- Exercise #1
1
Videos
- Lecture - General Guidelines to Reduce Harm and Maximize Benefits
3
Readings
- Lecture PDF - General Guidelines
- An observational postmarketing safety registry of patients in the UK, Germany, and Switzerland who have been prescribed Sativex® (THC:CBD, nabiximols) oromucosal spray
- THC:CBD in Daily Practice: Available Data from UK, Germany and Spain
Auto Summary
Explore the intriguing "History of Medical Cannabis," a comprehensive course designed to enhance your understanding of the evolving landscape of cannabis research. This course delves into the health effects of cannabis, examining the historical cultivation practices, the legal journey of cannabis, and the significant barriers that have impeded scientific exploration of its medicinal benefits. Under the expert guidance of Coursera's experienced instructors, you will gain the skills to critically assess cannabis research, understand the risks associated with its use, and learn about safe administration practices to maximize benefits while minimizing harm. With a focus on public health and epidemiology, this foundational course spans 1020 minutes of engaging content, making it ideal for those interested in informing public policy, health professionals, or anyone making informed personal decisions regarding cannabis use. Flexible subscription options, including Starter and Professional plans, ensure you can learn at your own pace. Enroll now to deepen your knowledge and contribute to the informed discourse on medical cannabis.

Kent Hutchison