The Endocannabinoid System and Medical Cannabis in Clinical Practice: Evidence, Guidance, Safety, and Substance Use Considerations

This pre-recorded webinar equips clinicians with essential knowledge of cannabis pharmacology, therapeutic applications, dosing and routes of administration, risk management, harm reduction, and substance use disorder considerations.

The program begins with an overview of the Endocannabinoid System (ECS), including its physiology, clinical relevance, and conditions associated with ECS deficiency. Participants will explore strategies to support ECS function through lifestyle medicine and supplements, as well as when to consider phytocannabinoid use.

The presentation continues with an in-depth discussion of the pharmacologic components of cannabis, dosing strategies, administration methods, and product formulation options available in Massachusetts. Risks, contraindications, and side effects, along with the recognition, diagnosis, and management of cannabis use disorder in medical settings are also covered.

Throughout the program, evidence-based content, clinical examples, real-world case studies, and practical tools will support clinicians in providing informed guidance, effective patient counseling, and risk mitigation.

This CE activity includes the educational content required by the Massachusetts Cannabis Control Commission for nurse practitioners registering as Certifying Healthcare Providers in the Massachusetts Medical Use of Marijuana Program.

This program has been approved for 2.75 hours of accredited CE, including 1.75 hours of Pharmacology.*

* This activity is approved for 2.75 contact hour(s) of continuing education (which includes 1.75 hour(s) of pharmacology) by the American Association of Nurse Practitioners®. Activity ID# 25117571. This activity was planned in accordance with AANP Accreditation Standards and Policies.

Upon Completion of this program, participants will be able to:

1.    Describe the endocannabinoid system (ECS)—including its major components, physiological roles, and the concept of clinical endocannabinoid deficiency as it relates to common and complex health conditions.

2.    Apply evidence-based frameworks to determine when phytocannabinoid supplementation may be appropriate in patient care. 

3.    Explain the pharmacologic properties of cannabis and how they influence clinical application, including comparisons of common product forms, routes of administration, and dosing considerations (Rx)

4.    Recognize and manage potential risks of medical cannabis use by identifying side effects, contraindications, and strategies for adjusting therapy to optimize safety and efficacy. 

5.    Assess and address cannabis use disorder by applying DSM-5 diagnostic criteria and implementing evidence-based strategies for risk mitigation, treatment, and patient counseling. 

* This activity is approved for 2.75 contact hour(s) of continuing education (which includes 1.75 hour(s) of pharmacology) by the American Association of Nurse Practitioners®. Activity ID# 25117571. This activity was planned in accordance with AANP Accreditation Standards and Policies.

Meghan Clements Zaklin is Co-Owner and Chief Quality Officer ECS Wellness, an MGB Affiliated Integrative, Cannabinoid, and Lifestyle Medicine Practice.

All financial relationships have been mitigated.