Course Overview
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
AffinityCE and Encompass are accredited by the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education as a provider of continuing pharmacy education (CPE). This knowledge-based CPE activity will provide 6 contact hours for participants. There cost to participate is included in the registration. Participant CE records will be electronically communicated to CPE Monitor. UAN: – 0829-9999-22-143-L01-P/T
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 certification 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.