Marijuana Overview

Course overview

Note This learning material is based on the Cannabis (Marijuana) Research Report (2020) published by the National Institute of Drug Abuse. Marijuana use is prevalent and more socially acceptable than in years past, likely, in part, because of its legalization in many states across America. While marijuana can provide benefits to its users, it also can have negative consequences on individuals' physical, mental, and social wellbeing. The purpose of this introductory course is to provide social workers, psychologists, marriage and family therapists, and counselors with the most up-to-date science regarding marijuana use and its potential effects on a person's health. This learning material is based on the Cannabis (Marijuana) Research Report (2020) published by the National Institute of Drug Abuse, which is part of the National Institutes of Health. The report explores current research about marijuana. It includes statistics about the scope of marijuana use in the United States, information about health consequences associated with marijuana use, and marijuana's effects on a person's everyday activities. Clinicians can use the information found in this course to inform conversations they have with clients looking to assess marijuana use in their lives. Along with providing answers to some commonly asked questions regarding marijuana, this learning material also presents brief information regarding available treatments for marijuana use disorders. Other topics covered include and are not limited to the link between marijuana use and psychiatric disorders, marijuana as medicine, and effects of secondhand exposure to marijuana smoke.