Cannabis, Chronic Pain, and Related Disorders

University of Colorado Boulder via Coursera

Go to Course: https://www.coursera.org/learn/pain-cannabis-cbd-thc

Introduction

### Course Review: Cannabis, Chronic Pain, and Related Disorders on Coursera #### Overview The **Cannabis, Chronic Pain, and Related Disorders** course is an essential educational resource for individuals interested in understanding the critical interactions between cannabis, chronic pain, and several related health conditions. This course is particularly relevant in today’s healthcare landscape, where alternative therapies are gaining traction, especially for managing chronic ailments and addressing the ongoing opioid crisis. #### Course Structure The course is thoughtfully structured into four modules, each focusing on a specific aspect of health that intersects with cannabis use: 1. **Chronic Pain and Cannabis**: This module dives into the myriad forms of chronic pain, emphasizing the epidemiology and costs associated with these conditions. You will gain invaluable insights into current treatment modalities and an overview of the existing research evaluating the efficacy of cannabis as a treatment option for chronic pain management. 2. **Opioid Epidemic and Cannabis**: The second module focuses on Opioid Use Disorder (OUD) - its symptoms, risk factors, and the dire statistics surrounding the ongoing opioid epidemic. The module evaluates how cannabis may serve as a potential alternative or adjunctive treatment in this critical public health issue. 3. **Obesity/Type 2 Diabetes, Sleep, and Cannabis**: Here, participants will explore the relationships between cannabis and various metabolic disorders, including obesity and Type 2 diabetes, along with sleep dysfunction. This module examines both the cost implications and the available research on how cannabis may influence these conditions. 4. **Cancer and Cannabis**: The final module tackles several types of cancer, discussing their symptoms and treatments while also scrutinizing the research surrounding cannabis as a means of alleviating cancer-related symptoms and enhancing the quality of life for patients undergoing treatment. #### Learning Outcomes By the end of this course, you will have a nuanced understanding of: - The complexities of chronic pain and its treatment landscape. - The potential role of cannabis in curbing the opioid crisis. - The effects of cannabis on obesity, diabetes, and sleep issues. - Insights into the intersection of cannabis usage and cancer symptom management. #### Course Recommendations **Who Should Enroll**: This course is ideal for healthcare professionals, students of medicine, public health advocates, and anyone with an interest in alternative treatments for chronic conditions. Additionally, it would benefit patients and their families looking to understand more about treatment options involving cannabis. **What You Will Gain**: - A critical perspective on the health effects of cannabis. - An ability to evaluate literature surrounding cannabis and its therapeutic uses. - A comprehensive understanding of chronic pain, opioid use, obesity, sleep disorders, and cancer in the context of cannabis. #### Conclusion The **Cannabis, Chronic Pain, and Related Disorders** course on Coursera is a valuable addition to the healthcare education landscape. It provides participants with not only theoretical knowledge but also practical insights into a contemporary and often controversial treatment option. As our understanding of cannabis continues to evolve, this course equips learners with the tools necessary to navigate future discussions in both clinical and personal contexts. If you are passionate about understanding the intersection of cannabis and chronic health issues and are keen to contribute meaningfully to this evolving field, enrolling in this course is highly recommended. With its well-rounded syllabus and focus on critical evaluation, you will leave well-prepared to engage with and contribute to discussions around cannabis in healthcare.

Syllabus

Chronic Pain and Cannabis

In this module, we will review the different types of chronic pain. We will also discuss the costs and epidemiology of pain, as well as the current treatments used to treat pain. Lastly, it will cover the research on the effects of cannabis on chronic pain.

Opioid Epidemic and Cannabis

In this module, we will review the symptoms and risk factors for Opioid Use Disorder (OUD). We will also discuss the costs and epidemiology of OUD, as well as the current treatments used to treat OUD. Lastly, it will cover the research on the effects of cannabis on OUD.

Obesity/Type 2 Diabetes, Sleep, and Cannabis

In this module, we will review the symptoms and risk factors for obesity, type II diabetes, and sleep dysfunction. We will also discuss the costs and epidemiology of these conditions, as well as cover the research on the effects of cannabis on these conditions.

Cancer and Cannabis

In this module, we will review the different types of cancer. We will also discuss the etiology and risk factors for cancer, as well as the common symptoms of cancer and cancer treatment. Lastly, it will cover the research on how cannabis may impact the symptoms of cancer.

Overview

This Cannabis, Chronic Pain, and Related Disorders course is designed to have you think critically about the health effects of cannabis (i.e., marijuana) in the context of chronic pain, opioid use disorder, obesity, sleep dysfunction and cancer. We'll learn about the epidemiology and etiology of these conditions, the harms/benefits of current treatments, and learn how to evaluate the literature on cannabis for these conditions. We will discuss special considerations for using cannabis for these

Skills

psychology research mood and anxiety disorders cannabis and health Chronic Pain Management CBD and THC

Reviews

This class is amazing. I am a person with a chronic pain disorder and this class has been eye opening so far <3

Such an informational course! I learned so much about sleep, disease, and chronic pain.

Such wonderful courses! Thank you, Professor Hutchinson!

Having a chronic disease disorder this course has helped me a lot to see the different benefits of Cannabis to help me and to help others life myself a great course.

I finished evrything up but theres now student assignment to rate. Because of that, I cannt' get my certificate.