Course Overview
Reviews
Medical Marijuana Continuing Medical Education
In-Depth Understanding of Medical Cannabis: The Encompass certification program provides comprehensive education on medical cannabis, including its therapeutic uses, dosing guidelines, potential side effects, and patient eligibility criteria. This knowledge is essential for Physicians to make informed decisions when authorizing medical cannabis for patients.
Legal and Regulatory Compliance: The certification helps Physicians become well-versed in laws and regulations governing medical cannabis. Understanding these legal requirements is critical for ensuring compliance and protecting both the provider and patients from potential legal issues. In addition, the Encompass Physician Certification meets the required CE requirements.
Enhanced Patient Care and Safety: Certified Physicians are better equipped to assess patients’ needs accurately and develop individualized treatment plans. This focus on patient-centric care promotes safety and improves patient outcomes, as providers can make well-informed recommendations regarding medical cannabis therapies. It is crucial for Physicians to have the essential knowledge, legal compliance, to enhance patient care outcomes, build trust with patients, and provides valuable resources for professional development within the medical cannabis community.
Course Description & Syllabus
This accredited activity is designed for medical professionals seeking a foundational understanding of medical marijuana within the current U.S. legal and clinical landscape. As patient use of medical marijuana increases—and laws continue to evolve—many healthcare professionals lack formal education on how to navigate these conversations appropriately and within their scope of practice. This course covers the topics of: Legal, Endocannabinoid system, cannabinoids and terpenes, therapeutic research, medical marijuana in pain management and a section covering risks, adverse effects, and misuse.
Module 1: History and Legal Landscape
- Evaluate the legal context in which cannabis can be discussed with patients, given it is legal in many states, but still recognized as a federally illegal substance.
- Compare the historical medicinal uses of marijuana to modern resurgence in patient use of medical marijuana.
- Assess the lack of clinical studies related to Schedule 1 classification of marijuana.
Module 2: The Endocannabinoid System
- Evaluate how cannabinoids interact with receptors, based on research conducted since the discovery of the endocannabinoid system.
- Interpret the function of the endocannabinoid system in the regulation of the body.
Module 3: Cannabinoids and Terpenes
- Differentiate major and minor cannabinoids.
- Summarize how cannabinoids and terpenes affect the endocannabinoid receptor system.
Module 4: Studies on Therapeutic Uses
- Assess the pros and cons of cannabinoids and their effects on various medical conditions.
Module 5: Cannabis and Opioids in Chronic Pain Treatment
- Evaluate the research studies regarding opioids versus cannabinoids in the treatment of the symptoms of chronic pain.
Module 6: Side Effects, Chronic Effects and Misuse
- Analyze the side effects, contraindications, and safety concerns of medicinal cannabis.
- Identify signs of abuse, misuse, and chronic effect of marijuana use.
Legal Assement
The activity is an educational overview of medical cannabis in its current legal context in the US. Currently, there are 2.1 million registered medical marijuana patients, with an estimated 3.5 million patients using medical marijuana nationwide. The constantly changing legal environment in which cannabis can be used in the United States has resulted in confusion for both physicians and patients. Currently, 38 states have legalized medical marijuana, and 21 states have also legalized recreational marijuana. Due to the lack of knowledge about the legality of discussing medical marijuana, physicians, nurses, and pharmacists are hesitant to have these conversations with their patients. The lack of communication between the patient and healthcare providers can lead to patients self-medicating without proper guidance from a medical professional.
Faculty
Dr. Jack Cox is a senior healthcare executive with over 25 years’ experience in regional and national senior leadership positions. Areas of expertise and experience include strategic development of performance improvement systems, innovation, clinical program strategic development and implementation, leadership development, large program operations, education, research and national and international publishing and speaking.
Dr. Cox is a board certified Family Physician, a fellow of the American Board of Family Practice, a fellow of the American College of Physician Executives & holds a master’s degree in Medical Management from Tulane University. He has been named one of Becker’s Top 100 CMO’s to know in 2014 & 2016 & has authored 4 books.
Schedule
Flexible Schedule
The online courses offered by Encompass and 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.
Career Outlook
Physicians who complete the Encompass certification course reflects the growing acceptance and demand for medical cannabis as a therapeutic option in healthcare. As more patients seek qualified professionals to authorize medical cannabis use, Physicians equipped with comprehensive knowledge from ECEN are well-positioned to stand out in a competitive market.
- Legal Compliance: Compliance with medical cannabis laws demonstrates thePhysicians commitment to maintaining the integrity of the state’s medical cannabis program. This not only upholds public trust but also fosters a professional reputation within the healthcare community. Physicians have an ethical obligation to practice within the bounds of the law, which includes understanding and navigating the specific regulations governing medical cannabis. Compliance reflects a dedication to ethical standards in healthcare and reinforces the provider’s role in responsible prescribing practices.
- Increased Demand: With expanding medical cannabis programs and rising patient enrollment, the need for knowledgeable and certified providers is steadily increasing. Physicians who have undergone specialized training, such as that offered by ECEN, are likely to attract more patients looking for competent guidance in their treatment options.
- Career Advancement Opportunities: Certification demonstrates a commitment to professional development and expertise in medical cannabis, which can lead to advancement opportunities within healthcare organizations, clinics, or cannabis dispensaries. Physicians may be promoted to leadership roles or specialized positions focused on patient education or program management.
- Diverse Work Environments: Physicians with ECEN certifications can explore various work environments, including private practices, integrative healthcare facilities, telemedicine platforms, and cannabis dispensaries. This versatility opens the door to a range of career paths and professional experiences.
- Network Engagement: Completing the ECEN course allows Physicians to connect with a community of like-minded professionals. This networking can lead to collaborations, mentorship opportunities, and access to valuable resources within the growing medical cannabis industry.
- Contribution to Patient Outcomes: As Physicians apply their knowledge from the ECEN course to improve patient care and education, they play a crucial role in advancing the understanding and acceptance of medical cannabis therapies, ultimately contributing to better patient outcomes and quality of life.
Yong A (verified owner) –
More data from well done studies hopefully in the near future.
Brian B (verified owner) –
Nice materials and infographics.
ELIZABETH B. (verified owner) –
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Lynn B. (verified owner) –
great program overall
David B. (verified owner) –
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Mitra C. (verified owner) –
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Sonja C. (verified owner) –
My best assessment is that this course and others to come will be improved as research is supported and more information comes to light and is verified. Each section in this course made me hungry for more factual data to access and incorporate.
David C. (verified owner) –
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Eduardo C. (verified owner) –
N/A
Paul C. (verified owner) –
More information on hybrids and which hybrids are best to treat which conditions
Mary D. (verified owner) –
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Sofia D. (verified owner) –
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Joed D. (verified owner) –
its perfect
Hayden D. (verified owner) –
I found much of this information to be fascinating. Less than a week after the course, I was able to direct a family to alternative care including cannabinoids for their current GI treatments costing tens of thousands of dollars.
Robin E. (verified owner) –
There were a lot of spelling errors and there were mixed messages in a number of places. I recommend having an editor go over it with a fine tooth comb for word order, spelling errors, etc. Re content, I think in the sections on abuse potential there was a bit of a bias to emphasize negative experiences more than is clinically noted (as a cannabis provider in 3 states and in Israel
scott f. (verified owner) –
more data on top 10 canabinoid subtypes and utility and ratios in MM dispensary, and how thc activates/potentiates cbd
Shawn F. (verified owner) –
excellent, a little heady on the biochemistry and molecular biology but overall a great activity.
De Adrea F. (verified owner) –
This was an extremely long evaluation – the longest I’ve taken
Scott F. (verified owner) –
Perhaps include some video of physicians who have had particularly positive experiences in apply medical marijuana or clinical pearls
Veronica G. (verified owner) –
Audio would enhance the learning experience for me.
Jamie G. (verified owner) –
Really liked it; great overview in all of the areas; great research citations. Interactive video and more pictures would be useful to us visual learners.
yu h. (verified owner) –
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Sheila H. (verified owner) –
More exams over smaller amounts of content
Thomas H. (verified owner) –
Very difficult for my computer to use dictation. I am an audio learner so if I can have it spoken to me it helps significantly.
Scott H. (verified owner) –
very well done!
Robin H. (verified owner) –
more specific information on strength of current evidence in regard to use in each disease state as well as information on available formulations
Kellee H. (verified owner) –
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Derek H. (verified owner) –
Continue to update study findings
Regina H. (verified owner) –
excellent information
Shicara I. (verified owner) –
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Chad I. (verified owner) –
I would add a section on dosing, drug interactions.
Jack J. (verified owner) –
No further suggestions. Update as info comes.
Amy K. (verified owner) –
Well-organized, easy to understand, clinically applicable intro course into medical marijuana.
Alessa K. (verified owner) –
More clinical relevance rather than focusing on year figures and percentages.
Dawn L. (verified owner) –
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George L. (verified owner) –
OCCASIONAL VIDEO CLIP
Andrea L. (verified owner) –
More interactive testing. Break down information into smaller components or sections.
Geoff L. (verified owner) –
More lectures rather than reading material.
Rick L. (verified owner) –
overall good, update some of the data (use 2019 rather than 2017 data)
Manoj L. (verified owner) –
include more research and studies on marijuana4
Steve L. (verified owner) –
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Paul L. (verified owner) –
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Holly L. (verified owner) –
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Robert M. (verified owner) –
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mh m. (verified owner) –
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Amanda M. (verified owner) –
it was great!
Max M. (verified owner) –
This activity has been presented very well
David M. (verified owner) –
Technological glitches, mediocre presentation of information. This course needs to be upgraded to provide value of $179. Pretty disappointed….
roy N. (verified owner) –
good program
James N. (verified owner) –
I enjoy audio and/or visual presentations.
Patrice P. (verified owner) –
Very well put together. Great information and I plan on integrating it into my practice.
Paul P. (verified owner) –
i am glad to have this as a referral source and to be able to retake the tests as a further learning tool.
I work in a medical marijuana certification center.
Todd P. (verified owner) –
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Annie R. (verified owner) –
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arlene r. (verified owner) –
learned so much
Christopher S. (verified owner) –
I liked it
William S. (verified owner) –
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Pamela S. (verified owner) –
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Leila S. (verified owner) –
In the section on cannabis and anxiety, I believe that there is an erroneous reference to seasonal affective disorder (SAD) that is actually supposed to be social phobia patients.
I think that most improvements will come with further research
Norma S. (verified owner) –
more content
Erik S. (verified owner) –
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Delores S. (verified owner) –
Great information, no improvements needed
Andrea S. (verified owner) –
Excellent learning activity. I’ll be rereading this frequently.
Craig T. (verified owner) –
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Maria V. (verified owner) –
I learned quite a lot.
Carolina V. (verified owner) –
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Paula V. (verified owner) –
more suggestions on dosing
Laura V. (verified owner) –
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Robert W. (verified owner) –
Very suitable course for gaining basic knowledge of MMJ and fulfill CME requirements. Thank you.
Regina W. (verified owner) –
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James W. (verified owner) –
Very good over view. simulated cases with interactive decision making would improve the clinical experience
Joseph W. (verified owner) –
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Ronald Y. (verified owner) –
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Manuela Z. (verified owner) –
would like more detail on specific studies – strains for different cancers, studies in Israel. Would like information on dosing.