What is the Buzz All About? Marijuana Pharmacology for the Rehabilitation Specialist: Updates from the Current Evidence—Part Two
DESCRIPTION
Cannabis species and subspecies have been used medicinally for over 5,000 years. In the United States, the regulation of cannabis as a Schedule I drug has been challenged in many states with ever changing laws with legalization and/or decriminalization of cannabis and cannabis products. Recent reviews and studies related to medicinal marijuana and cannabidiol (CBD) have been published, such as the medicinal use for nausea and vomiting, appetite stimulation in chronic diseases and pain. This two-part webinar series will review recent literature on medicinal cannabis products to provide the clinician with relevant information on potential indications, pharmacology and mechanism of action, acute and chronic side effects and patients for whom medicinal cannabis products is contraindicated, with particular discussion related to the geriatric client. Further exploration will be completed of the positive and negative implications on therapy outcomes through specific case studies including ethical and substance abuse issues. This information is important to all rehabilitation specialists to better understand this literature and to respond to patients when they inquire about these products for medicinal use.
It is recommended learners attend both sessions due to the comprehensive nature of the content.
Part One: Will focus on the historical perspective of cannabis, pharmacology aspects including pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, habituation and side effects as well as ethical and regulatory considerations of cannabis products.
Part Two: Will focus on the clinical considerations for use of medical marijuana and CBD products, including evidence regarding indications for use, safety and efficacy along with guidelines for counseling patients on use of these products. Specific case study examples will be incorporated.
Learner Outcomes
Upon completion of this webinar, participants will be able to:
- Examine changing regulatory implications of cannabis and cannabis products with specific state examples
- Describe current medicinal uses of cannabis and cannabis products including pain
- Discuss cannabis potential indications, pharmacodynamic and pharmacokinetic properties including acute and chronic side effects, and potential for abuse
- Apply current evidence to educate patients on risks and benefits of CBD /THC use
- Contrast the health risks/benefits of medical marijuana through case studies relevant to physical therapy outcomes as well as social implications of misuse
INSTRUCTORS
Madge Suzanne Tinsley, PhD, PT & Janine Hatch, PT, DPT, MS, GCS
AUDIENCE
Nurses, Occupational Therapists, Occupational Therapy Assistants, Physical Therapists, Physical Therapist Assistants and Speech-Language Pathologists.
SUCCESSFUL COMPLETION
Participants will watch the on-demand recording in its entirety and complete an assessment and feedback module in the Academy Learning Portal. You will have three months from the date of purchase to complete and review the course material. You will receive a reminder email two weeks before the expiration date.
CONTINUING EDUCATION CREDITS
Nurses:

The Shirley Ryan AbilityLab is accredited as a provider of nursing continuing professional development by the American Nurses Credentialing Center’s Commission on Accreditation. This CNE is being offered for 1.5 contact hours of continuing nursing education including 1.5 pharmacology contact hours. Release Date: 3/6/2023 End Date: 9/30/2027
Occupational Therapists:
The Shirley Ryan AbilityLab is an AOTA Approved Provider of professional development. Course approval ID# 05604. This distance learning independent webinar is offered at .15 CEUs [intermediate, OT service delivery, foundational knowledge]. AOTA does not endorse specific course content, products, or clinical procedures.
Physical Therapists: The Illinois Physical Therapy Board has approved this course for 1.5 Contact Hours. Approval #216-000069
Shirley Ryan AbilityLab is recognized by California and the New York State Education Department's State Board for Physical Therapy as an approved provider of physical therapy and physical therapist assistant continuing education for 1.5 Contact Hours on 2/6/2026.
Many states accept continuing education contact hours recognized in other states, enabling professionals to use these hours to meet their licensing or certification requirements. Please consult your state regulations to see if this meets CEU requirements for your license.
Speech-Language Pathologists:

DISCLOSURES
Course Directors and Planning Committee Members:
Julie Lenkiewicz, MS, CCC-SLP - Has nothing to disclose.
Melissa Kolski, PT, OCS, Dip MDT - Has nothing to disclose.
Leslie Marriott, OT - Has nothing to disclose.
Pamela Pfeifer, MS, RN, NPD-BC - Has nothing to disclose.
Speakers, Moderators and Panelists:
Madge Suzanne Tinsley, PhD, PT - Has nothing to disclose.
Janine Hatch, PT, DPT, MS, GCS - Has nothing to disclose.
ACADEMY POLICIES
For a complete list of Academy policies and technology requirements, click here.
