Endocannabinoid Receptors Discovery Reveals Marijuana Medicinal Potential Insight Into the Past, Present and Future

Well-documented as a botanical medicine for over 5,000 years, the cannabis plant’s biochemistry, mechanisms of action and anecdotal versus evidence-based safety and efficacy profiles have recently become the subject of intense scientific and legislative scrutiny. This lecture will discuss the ethnobotanical and cultural use considerations of a plant now known to contain therapeutic balances of phytocannabinoid and terpenoid compounds that are challenging some of the world’s foremost researchers and awaiting clinicians. These chemicals have revealed the endocannabinoid receptor system, a previously unknown, ubiquitous receptor system responsible for maintaining physiological balances that are essential in sustaining animal life. Future innovations will abound as international researchers use 21st century science data to position cannabis’ reintroduction back into modern healthcare’s therapeutics.

Target Audience

Physicians, Nurses, Nurse Practitioners, Clinical Chaplians, Occupational Therapists, Pharmacists, Respiratory Therapists, Physician Assistants and all other interested healthcare providers.

Learning Objectives

  • Discuss the medical-legal ethics compared to bioethical considerations with respect to providing cannabis-based medicines while under its federal prohibition.
  • Describe the significance of ethnobotanical and cultural uses of cannabis.
  • Identify the endocannabinoid receptor system ligands’ unique mechanisms of action, and their essential roles in modulating physiology.
  • Assess the clinical indications for cannabis as a potential therapy for specific healthcare diagnoses supported by current evidence for efficacy.
Additional information
Bibliography: 
  • Chaudhry, H. J., Hengerer, A. S., & Snyder, G. B. (2016). Medical Board Expectations for Physicians Recommending Marijuana. JAMA, 316(6), 577.
Course Summary
Available credit: 
  • 1.00 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit™
  • 1.00 General certificate of attendance
  • 1.00 Nurse Practitioners
  • 1.00 Florida Board of Nursing
  • 1.00 Florida Board of Occupational Therapy
  • 1.00 Florida Board of Pharmacy
  • 1.00 Florida Board of Respiratory Therapy
Course opens: 
07/01/2018
Course expires: 
07/01/2019

Jeffrey S. Block, M.D.
Founder, Nurturing Nature Group Consultants
Voluntary Professor – Department of Anesthesiology
University of Miami Miller School of Medicine
Past President, UM Medical Alumni Association
                          
Jeffrey S. Block, M.D., has indicated that neither he nor his spouse/partner has relevant financial relationships with commercial interest companies, and he will not include off-label or unapproved product usage in his presentation or discussion.

Non-faculty contributors and others involved in the planning, development and editing/review of the content have no relevant financial relationships to disclose.

Disclosure Policy and Disclaimer

Baptist Health South Florida is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME) to provide continuing medical education for physicians. Baptist Health has been re-surveyed by the ACCME and awarded Commendation for 6 years as a provider of CME for physicians.
             
Baptist Health South Florida designates this enduring material for a maximum of 1 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit™. Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.

Available Credit

  • 1.00 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit™
  • 1.00 General certificate of attendance
  • 1.00 Nurse Practitioners
  • 1.00 Florida Board of Nursing
  • 1.00 Florida Board of Occupational Therapy
  • 1.00 Florida Board of Pharmacy
  • 1.00 Florida Board of Respiratory Therapy
Please login or register for a Baptist Health CME account to take this course.

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