TRENDING Medical education topic: Cannabis and Psychosis

Although a few cannabinoid drugs have been approved by the Federal Drug Administration (FDA), cannabis has not been approved by the FDA for the treatment of any disease or condition. Therefore, physicians need to know the latest clinical trial information regarding the potential health benefits of cannabis use as well as epidemiologic data regarding potential health risks. Some studies have shown a link between the use of cannabis and psychiatric disorders such as depression, bipolar, and schizophrenia. However, it is unclear whether people who already have or are developing psychiatric conditions are more likely to turn to cannabis as a way to self-medicate or whether cannabis use triggers mental problems. As more states have legalized cannabis for both medicinal purposes as well as recreational use, patients are more likely to disclose marijuana use and ask physicians for information about how it might affect their health.  Physicians and other healthcare providers are often ill-equipped to answer questions related to use and may have medico-legal concerns about doing so.

Proposed Learning Objectives:

At the conclusion of this activity, the learners will be able to:

• Describe the odds ratio associated with cannabis use for the development of a psychotic disorder 
• Describe the relationship between psychosis risk and cannabis potency
• List significant medical and psychiatric adverse events associated with the use of synthetic cannabinoids

If your medical staff needs an update on cannabis and psychosis, consider contacting our office to book a speaker at 877-505-4777 or info@speakersnetwork.com.

References:

https://www.fda.gov/news-events/public-health-focus/fda-and-cannabis-research-and-drug-approval-process

https://www.cdc.gov/cannabis/health-effects/mental-health.html

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7255842/