Foundations of Cannabis Therapeutics with Ethan Russo, MD: An Evidence-Based Medical Cannabis Education Course
$399.00
Course Overview
Unlocking the Science Behind Medical Cannabis
This transformative online medical cannabis course is designed by CReDO Science and presented by eminent global medical cannabis psychopharmacology researcher and board-certified neurologist, Dr. Ethan Russo.
Delve into the intricate world of cannabis. This evidence-based program is your gateway to understanding the potential of therapeutic Cannabis.
- Evidence-Based Approach: Dr. Russo’s expertise ensures that every aspect of this cannabis education course is grounded in scientific rigor. Say goodbye to myths and misinformation—our curriculum is built on peer-reviewed research and 28 years of clinical cannabis experience. Each module is complete with peer-reviewed article references for those who want to take a deeper look.
- Comprehensive Understanding: Whether you are a physician, healthcare professional, caregiver, patient, or industry insider, this cannabis education course equips you with essential knowledge. From the basics of cannabis to the intricacies of the endocannabinoid system, we cover it all.
- Safety First: Learn how to use cannabis safely and effectively. We demystify dosing, interactions, and potential risks, empowering you to make informed decisions.
Credibility and Standards
Encompass Credentialing Network certifications are designed to ensure that individuals and organizations meet specific standards of knowledge and competence in the field of medical cannabis. These certifications help establish credibility among healthcare providers, industry workers (budtenders) patients, and the medical community.
Comprehensive Education
The certification process typically involves comprehensive educational programs that cover various aspects of medical cannabis, including its medical uses, legal regulations, dosing, how to medicate, and potential interactions with other medications. This enables certified individuals to provide accurate and informed guidance to patients.
Enhanced Patient Care
By obtaining an Encompass Credentialing Network certification, healthcare professionals can enhance their ability to support patients effectively. This certification provides them with the tools and knowledge necessary to help patients navigate their medical cannabis journey, leading to improved treatment outcomes and overall patient satisfaction.
Overview
- Comprehensive Knowledge: The certification program provides essential knowledge about the safe handling, storage, and distribution of marijuana products. This understanding is crucial for complying with regulations and ensuring the quality and safety of cannabis products.
- Regulatory Compliance: Certification through Encompass Credentialing Network helps ensure that individuals are familiar with the specific laws and regulations governing cannabis. Being knowledgeable about these regulations is essential for maintaining compliance, which can help prevent legal issues and sanctions.
- Enhanced Professionalism: Having an Encompass certification demonstrates a commitment to professionalism and a higher standard of care within the cannabis industry. This can build trust with customers, and employers, reinforcing your credibility as a handler of marijuana.
- Consumer Safety: With the certification, individuals learn about the importance of proper customer interactions, including accurately answering questions about product effects, dosing, and potential interactions, as well as knowing proper checks for identification.
Course Description
This medical cannabis online program offers more than 10 hours of video instruction on the following topics:
Cannabis Basics
- Understand the plant’s anatomy, chemical constituents, and historical context.
- Explore the differences between THC, CBD, and other cannabinoids.
- Uncover the secrets of terpenes and their impact on cannabis effects.
The Endocannabinoid System (ECS)
- Dive deep into the ECS—the body’s natural cannabis-like system.
- Learn how cannabinoids interact with receptors (CB1 and CB2) to regulate various physiological processes.
- Discover the role of the ECS in pain modulation, mood regulation, and immune function.
Clinical Applications
- Explore evidence-backed uses of therapeutic cannabis for conditions such as chronic pain, epilepsy, anxiety, and more.
- Understand the cannabis flower and product selection, administration methods, and personalized treatment plans.
Safety Protocols and Best Practices
- Master responsible cannabis use.
- Empower patients and consumers with accurate information.
Module 1 Introduction to the ECS
- 73 slides presented by Dr. Ethan Russo & Nishi WhiteleyLength–1:12:30In this module the learner will receive a broad overview of the function and components of the endocannabinoid system, how it works and is intertwined with all major biological functions, and how endocannabinoids and phytocannabinoids stimulate and/or active the ECS. Also covered is the microbiome, its importance to overall human health, and the nexus of the ECS and human microbiome.
- Cannabis sativa
- Overview of the ECS; receptors, receptors throughout the body, enzymes signaling,
- ECS in early brain development
- ECS stimulation
- Cannabis synergy – the Entourage Effect
- Endocannabinoid synthesis and catabolism
- Increased ECS activity
- Clinical Endocannabinoid Deficiency
- Cannabis effects on cancer
- Plants and pain (opium poppy, willow bark, capsaicin+)
- The human microbiome, microbiota, and the ECS, care, and feeding
- Probiotics and prebiotics
- Effects of THC on the microbiome of rats
- Acne and neurodegeneration
- ECS and the gut-brain-skin axis
- New approach to neurological therapeutics
Module 2 Cannabis Historical Overview: How it Informs Modern Therapeutics
71 slides presented by Dr. Ethan Russo & Nishi Whiteley
Length–1:06:31
In this fascinating look at cannabis history, Dr. Russo explores the many ancient uses of cannabis across the globe along with the ancient texts where cannabis is mentioned, gradually moving through different historical periods and highlighting the writings of prominent physicians through modern times.
- Cannabis evident in ancient times
- Review of ancient texts
- Historical overview of key people throughout history
- Early medical use of cannabis:
- Early delivery methods
- Empirical Medicine of the 19th Century
- Modern research in various indication
- Why cannabis left the pharmacopeia
- Patterns of cannabis use in Brazil, India, Jamaica
- RCTs for pain
Module 3 Introduction to the Cannabis Plan
70 slides presented by Dr. Ethan Russov & Nishi Whiteley
Length–55:46
This module is dedicated to helping the student gain a broad understanding of the physical parts of the cannabis plant, the origin, evolution, and taxonomy of the plant, and all its many varieties and types. You will also learn about the risks associated with the common use of pesticides in cannabis cultivation and methods used to test for pesticides in plant material.
- Cannabis origin story and early cultivation
- Cannabis in early Europe
- Cannabis evolution and classification system
- Human utilization
- Pentyl cannabinoid synthesis
- Propyl cannabinoid synthesis
- Typical THC distribution throughout the plant
- Anatomy of the capitate glandular trichome
- Plant parts
- Species controversy
- Chemotaxonomic analysis of terpenoid variation
- Global cannabis crop evolution
- Genetic structure
- Pesticide use in cannabis
- Indoor cultivation
- Good agricultural practices (GAP)
- Hemp disease and pests, treatment options
- Federally registered pesticides
- Ideal cannabis classification system
- Certificate of analysis
- Landraces
Module 4 Components of the Cannabis Plant
124 slides presented by Dr. Ethan Russo & Nishi Whiteley
Length–1:47:39
This module takes a broad look at the chemical components of the cannabis plant including the most researched cannabinoids, a few you may not have heard of as well as common terpenes, flavonoids, and other components from the plant. You will learn about scientific cannabis naming conventions, the importance of Certificate of Analysis (COAs), and how to read them. Finally, this module covers the entourage effect, why landraces matter, and a short comparison of capturing cannabinoids from the plant versus yeast.
- Earnest Small Typology
- Overview of phytocannabinoids and their chemical structures
- Entourage Effect
- Chemical ecology of phytocannabinoids
- Terpenoids
- Isolated waxy ballast
- Ideal cannabis classification scheme
- PhytoFacts™ COA Review of Type I-IV
- Cannabis Synergy
- Responder Analysis
- Review of key peer-reviewed journal articles
- Biosynthesis: sativa vs yeast
- Landraces
Module 5 Delta-8 THC
32 slides presented by Dr. Ethan Russo & Nishi Whiteley
Length–39:50
In this module, we take a slightly different approach. The module reviews the history, chemical structure, and existing research about Delta-8 THC. It also explores the differences between naturally occurring Delta-8 from chemically derived Delta-8, the current contamination conundrum facing chemically converted Delta-8 THC, and its risks to users. This module highlights outcomes from studies by the following authors:
- Crystallized Delta-8 Roger Adams 1942
- LaGuardia Report mentions Delta-8
- Gaoni & Mechoulam convert CBD to Delta-8
- Hively, R.L et al. 1966 paper
- Hollister, L. E., & H. K. Gillespie. 1973 study
- Karniol, I. G., and E. A. Carlini. 1973 study
- Abrahamov, A., and R. Mechoulam. 1995 – anti-emetic in pediatric oncology
- Vaclavik, L. et al. 2019.
- Babalonis, S., et al. 2021
- Rosenthal, J., et al.2021
- Hudalla, C. 2021.
- Kruger, J. S., and D. J. Kruger. 2022
- Klein, T. A. et al. 2022
- Geci, M., M. Scialdone, and J. Tishler. 2023
- Tagen, M., and L. E. Klumpers. 2022
- Benowitz, N. L. et al. 2023
- Simon, T. A. et al. 2023
- Vandrey, R., et al. 2023
Module 6 Intake Methods & Therapeutic Strategies
49 slides presented by Nishi Whiteley & Dr. Russo
Length–1:17:11
In this module you will learn about intake methods, risks, harm reduction and practical considerations for how to choose one intake method over another based on time of onset, pros, cons and needs. You will also learn about cannabis quality, what to look for on cannabis product labels/COAs as well as the different paraphernalia needed for most form factors and practical usage tips.
- Review of ECS role in biological functions
- Foundational principles of cannabis use
- Difference between hemp and cannabis
- Cannabis processing supply chain from flower to product
- Concentrates
- Product from flower overview
- General quality tips
- What to look for on a label
- What to look for in a COA
- Dried cannabis quality
- Dry herb dosing
- Vaporization – the healthier option
- Things to know before you inhale
- Dry herb prep
- Glass cleaning
- Cannabis form factors
- Intake methods
- Protocol Considerations
- Possible positive side effects
- Possible negative side effects
- Harm mitigation
- Opioid Sparing effect/cannabis and opiates
Module 7 Cannabis Adverse Events & Harm Reduction
121 slides presented by Dr. Ethan Russo & by Nishi Whiteley
Length–1:45:58
Cannabis is a safe and effective medicine but is not without risks or potential side effects. In this module, the learner will gain insight into recorded adverse events in key scientific studies including the taboo topics of cannabis use during pregnancy and adolescence. The module will also explore cannabis use and mental health issues including schizophrenia and review the recent finding showing a genetic predisposition for cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome (CHS), which is the result of overstimulation of the ECS.
- Cannabis adverse events in clinical trials
- Chronic cannabis use in U.S. Government Compassionate Use Program 2002
- Neurocognitive impairment
- Clinical Framework for assessing cannabis-related impairment risks
- Practical consideration in medical cannabis dosing
- Toxic psychosis; synthetic THC vs. Sativex™
- National Academies: Health Effects of Cannabis and Cannabinoids
- Cardiovascular issues pros and cons
- Impact of cannabis on different systems of the body
- Impact of cannabis use on head and neck squamous cell carcinoma
- Cannabis concentrates (dabs) research
- Vape pens, propylene glycol, and formaldehyde
- E-cigarette, or vaping, product use associated with lung injury (E/VALI)
- Pesticides in smoked cannabis
- Insecticides found in Washington State cannabis
- Cannabis effects on human gestation
- Maternal marijuana use and neonatal outcomes
- Medical cannabis and mental health
- Association of cannabis use with cognitive functioning of adolescence
- Chronic use study – Beck Depression Inventory
- Cannabis use trends in schizophrenia
- Cannabis addiction ratings
- Tolerance and intoxication
- Cannabinoid Hyperemesis Syndrome (CHS)
Module 8 Cannabis & Evidence Based Medicine
77 slides presented by Dr. Ethan Russo & Nishi Whiteley
Length–1:25:14
This module is dedicated to helping the learner gain basic understanding of how medical cannabis research works, challenges associated with studying cannabis and the regulatory pathways for approval. This module will also take a look at the standards of evidence and segue into a review of the U.S. government’s latest official scientific assessment of the existing body of cannabis research.
- Definition of terms
- Four pillars of medicine
- Medical efficacy – levels of evidence
- Randomized clinical trials
- Standardization
- Advantages of pharmaceutical cannabinoids
- Why traditional market cannabis fails standardization requirements
- What patients want
- Additional FDA regulatory requirements
- How American cannabis research works (or doesn’t)
- US cannabis research roadblocks
- Placebo effect
- National Academies: The Health Effect of Cannabis and Cannabinoids Conclusions
- Cannabis dosing
- Cannabis routes of administration
- Levels of evidence for cannabis-based medicine
- Review of cannabis use in different indications
- Cannabis Efficacy: Where are we now?
- Problems with cannabis laboratory analysis
- Cannabis basic science research – needs and issues
- Clinical research priorities
Cost & Time
Schedule
Flexible Schedule
The online courses offered by Encompass exemplify true adult learning principles by providing flexible, engaging, and practical education tailored to the needs of learners in the medical cannabis field. Designed for both healthcare professionals and cannabis industry personnel, these courses combine interactive content with real-world applications, enabling participants to grasp complex concepts effectively. The curriculum covers essential topics such as the therapeutic uses of medical cannabis, legal compliance, patient care best practices, and data analysis in healthcare, ensuring that learners gain comprehensive, actionable knowledge. Each course is structured to accommodate busy schedules, allowing individuals to progress at their own pace while accessing a wealth of resources and expert insights. By fostering a supportive online learning environment, Encompass empowers participants to enhance their skills and confidence, ultimately contributing to improved patient care and informed practices in the evolving cannabis landscape.