Upon completion of this course the participants will be able to:

• Discuss the legal status of marijuana use and prevalence of use in the USA
•  List the types of cannabis and methods of use
•  Recognize effects of cannabis use on systemic and oral health
• Discuss synthetic cannabinoid-based drugs and indications for their use
•  Appraise the available research on efficacy of cannabinoid-based drugs and their adverse effects
• Evaluate harmful effects of synthetic cannabinoids
•  Assess the implications of acute and chronic cannabis use on providing routine dental and dental hygiene care
•  List the resources for referral to address drug use and addiction

Marijuana use for medical and recreational purposes has been legalized in more than 30 states.  Patients are more open to talk about cannabis use and might report their use to a dental professional.  During this course, participants will discuss types of cannabis, methods of use and the prevalence of cannabis use in USA.  Synthetic cannabinoid-based medications and indications for their use, as well as systemic and oral effects of cannabis use will be outlined. The participants will analyze the effectiveness of cannabis as an alternative for pain management and potential for inducing addiction.   Differences between cannabis and synthetic cannabinoids will be evaluated. The participants will discuss implications of acute and chronic cannabis use on providing routine dental care. The participants will also become familiar with the resources for referral to address drug use and addiction.