BACKGROUND:  The Association of Cannabinoid Specialists (ACS) is an advocacy organization with the goal to provide evidenced based and experienced based education regarding the use of Cannabis.  Education and advocacy are aimed at clinicians early in learning about cannabis, experienced cannabis clinician, patients, and legislators.  The ACS believes that patients using cannabis for medical indications are much different from the recreational user.  The goal is to provide “best practice” guidance for care providers and regulators at the State, Federal and International level.

DESIGN:  For the Health Care professional, the ACS provides a Journal, Clinical Grand Rounds, and an educational series.  There is an option to receive a Certificate based upon completion of course work and passing an examination.  The COMPREHENSIVE MEDICAL CANNABIS course work includes a 20-lecture series, self-paced modules with combined audio.  The estimated time to complete the series is about 20 hours.  The courses cover basics and advanced topics. 

• • Welcome to the Association of Cannabinoid Specialists Comprehensive Medical Cannabis Video Course
  • Greg Gerdemann - Cannabis Anatomy & Physiology
  • Michael Tagen - The Endocannabinoid System: Its Impact on Patient Outcomes
  • Ethan Russo - Cannabinoids & Terpenes: Synergy & Functions
  • Brianna Cassidy - Cannabis Testing
  • Stacia Woodcock - CBD: What You Need to Know
  • Amanda Reiman - Cannabis Medical Contraindications
  • Rachel Knox - Clinical Due Diligence, Cannabis-Drug Interactions & Cautions for Practitioners
  • Mishka Terplan - Cannabis Use in Pregnancy
  • Julia Arnsten - The Opioid Epidemic & Cannabinoid Alternatives for Treatment of Pain
  • Amanda Reiman - Cannabis & Harm Reduction
  • Eloise Theisen - Geriatrics & Cannabis
  • Bonni Goldstein - Cannabis & Children
  • Kenneth Weinberg - Cannabis and Treatment of Autoimmune Disease
  • Jordan Tishler - Approach to the Treatment of Insomnia
  • Jan Roberts - Cannabis for Mental Health
  • Marcel Bonn-Miller - Cannabis and PTSD
  • Jordan Tishler - Cannabis for Sexuality
  • David (Dedi) Meiri - Cannabis For Treatment Of Cancer
  • Jordan Tishler - Dosing Cannabis Medicine
  • Jordan Tishler - Integrating Cannabis Into Your Practice

ACS also offers nine (as of 2024) ala-carte lecture series for about $35 USD:

• Approach to cannabis and anesthesia.
• The Dark side of CBD: Conversion to other cannabinoids
• Terpenes:  The state of the data
• Advanced Drug interactions
• Minor cannabinoids: What do we really know.
• Secondary compounds in cannabis
• Cannabis in Gastroenterology
• Cannabis in Obstetrics and Gynecology
• Customer/Patient service advocate (Bud Tender) training course

EVALUATION/RECOMMENDATIONS:

MedChi has reviewed the COMPREHENSIVE MEDICAL CANNABIS package only.  MedChi has not reviewed the Certification examinations as offered and cannot comment.  Overall, this educational series is highly recommended for the clinician early in learning about cannabis. The modules are presented by experts in the field in a clear and concise fashion.  There are certain unique perspectives. The modules also serve as an excellent review for the cannabis experienced clinician.  Additionally, membership with the ACS provides access to the additional educational sources.

COST:

Comprehensive Medical Cannabis Video Course (No examination):  $199

Comprehensive Medical Cannabis Video Course Exam (Exam only): $199

Comprehensive Medical Cannabis Video Course and Diplomate Exam:  $359