Cannabis, Mental Health, and Brain Disorders

Overview

This Cannabis, Mental Health, and Brain Disorders course is designed to have you think critically about the health effects of cannabis (i.e., marijuana) in the context of several mental health and neurocognitive disorders. You'll be able to identify key features of several anxiety disorders (e.g., panic disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, social anxiety disorder, PTSD), major depression, schizophrenia, multiple sclerosis, epilepsy, traumatic brain injury, and Alzheimer's and Parkinson's Disease. You'll understand the etiology and risk factors for these disorders, recognize conventional treatments, and understand the influence of different cannabinoids such as THC and CBD on these disorders. Obtaining this knowledge will be helpful in terms of informing public policy, public health, and personal decisions regarding the use of cannabis products.

Syllabus

Anxiety Disorders and Cannabis

In this module, we will learn about the key features of anxiety disorders and PTSD. We will discuss the epidemiology and etiology of these disorders, as well as the current treatments used to treat these disorders. Lastly, we will evaluate the literature on cannabis for treating anxiety and PTSD.

Mood Disorders, Psychosis, and Cannabis

In this module, we will learn about the key features of depression and schizophrenia. We will discuss the etiology and risk factors for these disorders, as well as the common treatments used to treat them. Lastly, we will evaluate the research on the effects of cannabis on these disorders.

Neurocognitive/Brain Disorders Part I

In this module, we will learn about the key features of multiple sclerosis, epilepsy, and traumatic brain injury. We will discuss the epidemiology and etiology of these conditions, as well as the current treatments used to treat them. Lastly, we will evaluate the research on the effects of cannabis on these disorders.

Neurocognitive/Brain Disorders Part II

In this module, we will learn about the key features of Parkinson's and Alzheimer's Disease. We will discuss the etiology and risk factors for these diseases, as well as the common treatments used. Lastly, we will cover how cannabis may influence these diseases.