0314 - Cannabis and Mental Health
Course Description
Hours: 12
This course will help participants understand how cannabis affects mental health while identifying options for supporting cannabis users in social service settings. Cannabis is more available across Canada than ever before and there are many misconceptions about the effects of this drug on mental health.
Participants will receive an advanced overview of the research examining the relation between cannabis and stress, trauma, common health difficulties, and a variety of mental health concerns. This overview will lead into material on mental health assessment, education, treatment and harm reduction strategies with cannabis consumers. Day one will cover topics including the effects of cannabis use on stress, anxiety, trauma, depression, sleep disturbance, pain, anger, psychosis, and more. Day two will explore the common barriers to accessing services among cannabis users, engagement strategies, educational materials, how to apply the stages of change, evidence-informed therapies for cannabis use disorder, and the importance of harm reduction.
This course will be interactive. Participants will have opportunities to learn through didactic presentation of material, breakout rooms, group discussions, role plays and case scenarios. The material will emphasize practical application and ‘news you can use’ to help cannabis users with a variety of psychosocial problems. I encourage you to bring your questions and curiosity about cannabis so the information can be tailored to meet your specific learning needs.
Learning Outcomes:
- Understand the psychosocial effects of THC and CBD based cannabis in a legal context.
- Explore the connections between cannabis, stress, anxiety and trauma.
- Examine the relation between cannabis and common health and psychological problems.
- Learn how to educate cannabis users while assessing cannabis use patterns/preferences.
- Identify evidence-informed treatment and harm reduction approaches.
CACCF: 12 continuing education hours
Notes
For more information contact the Faculty of Social Work Professional Development office:
Email: fswprofessionaldevelopment@wlu.ca
Phone: 548-889-4967
Cancellations and Transfers
Be sure to carefully review our cancellation and transfer information before registering.
Website: wlu.ca/fswpd
Applies Towards the Following Certificates
- Addictions Certificate : Addictions Certificate
- Child and Youth Mental Health Certificate : Child and Youth Mental Health Certificate
- Trauma Certificate : Trauma Certificate