This Cannabis, Mental Health, and Brain Disorders course is designed to have you think critically about the health effects of cannabis (i.e., marijuana) in the context of several mental health and neurocognitive disorders. You'll be able to identify key features of several anxiety disorders (e.g., panic disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, social anxiety disorder, PTSD), major depression, schizophrenia, multiple sclerosis, epilepsy, traumatic brain injury, and Alzheimer's and Parkinson's Disease. You'll understand the etiology and risk factors for these disorders, recognize conventional treatments, and understand the influence of different cannabinoids such as THC and CBD on these disorders. Obtaining this knowledge will be helpful in terms of informing public policy, public health, and personal decisions regarding the use of cannabis products.
This course is part of the Medical Cannabis: The Health Effects of THC and CBD Specialization
Offered By
Medical Cannabis: The Health Effects of THC and CBD SpecializationUniversity of Colorado BoulderAbout this Course
No background required.
What you will learn
Learn how cannabis may influence four different anxiety disorders (panic disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, social anxiety disorder, PTSD).
Learn the research on cannabis for major depression and schizophrenia.
Learn the research on cannabis for multiple sclerosis, epilepsy, and traumatic brain injury.
Learn the research on cannabis for Alzheimer's and Parkinson's Disease.
Skills you will gain
No background required.
Offered by
University of Colorado Boulder
CU-Boulder is a dynamic community of scholars and learners on one of the most spectacular college campuses in the country. As one of 34 U.S. public institutions in the prestigious Association of American Universities (AAU), we have a proud tradition of academic excellence, with five Nobel laureates and more than 50 members of prestigious academic academies.
Syllabus - What you will learn from this course
Anxiety Disorders and Cannabis
In this module, we will learn about the key features of anxiety disorders and PTSD. We will discuss the epidemiology and etiology of these disorders, as well as the current treatments used to treat these disorders. Lastly, we will evaluate the literature on cannabis for treating anxiety and PTSD.
Mood Disorders, Psychosis, and Cannabis
In this module, we will learn about the key features of depression and schizophrenia. We will discuss the etiology and risk factors for these disorders, as well as the common treatments used to treat them. Lastly, we will evaluate the research on the effects of cannabis on these disorders.
Neurocognitive/Brain Disorders Part I
In this module, we will learn about the key features of multiple sclerosis, epilepsy, and traumatic brain injury. We will discuss the epidemiology and etiology of these conditions, as well as the current treatments used to treat them. Lastly, we will evaluate the research on the effects of cannabis on these disorders.
Neurocognitive/Brain Disorders Part II
In this module, we will learn about the key features of Parkinson's and Alzheimer's Disease. We will discuss the etiology and risk factors for these diseases, as well as the common treatments used. Lastly, we will cover how cannabis may influence these diseases.
Reviews
TOP REVIEWS FROM CANNABIS, MENTAL HEALTH, AND BRAIN DISORDERS
Guests and readings are fantastic.. Would be great if professor Hutchinson could talk a little slower - easy to miss a lot of what he is saying. :-(. But in general a FANTASIC course!
A little difficult sometimes with the Peer Review, but other than that- informative and enjoyable.
Course is great. Sure would appreciate a better looking certificate when it prints out...
This was an amazing introduction to brain science and cannabis.
About the Medical Cannabis: The Health Effects of THC and CBD Specialization
The legalization of cannabis (i.e., marijuana) and the recent federal legalization of cannabidiol (CBD) has led to unprecedented access to cannabinoids (e.g. THC and CBD), a projected 60 billion dollar industry (cannabis and hemp) by 2025, and the fastest growing jobs sector in the economy according to recent reports in the media. Despite all of this, there is very little evidence-based information about the health effects of cannabis or about how to maximize the potential benefits while minimizing harm. Parents of children with seizure disorders, veterans with PTSD and chronic pain, cancer patients, and our aging parents deserve better. People WANT evidence-based information about the potential risks and benefits of cannabis products so that they can weigh the pros and cons of cannabis versus other options. They also want to know how to maximize the positive effects of cannabis while minimizing the side effects. This specialization is designed to provide that information.
Frequently Asked Questions
When will I have access to the lectures and assignments?
Access to lectures and assignments depends on your type of enrollment. If you take a course in audit mode, you will be able to see most course materials for free. To access graded assignments and to earn a Certificate, you will need to purchase the Certificate experience, during or after your audit. If you don't see the audit option:
- The course may not offer an audit option. You can try a Free Trial instead, or apply for Financial Aid.
- The course may offer 'Full Course, No Certificate' instead. This option lets you see all course materials, submit required assessments, and get a final grade. This also means that you will not be able to purchase a Certificate experience.
What will I get if I subscribe to this Specialization?
When you enroll in the course, you get access to all of the courses in the Specialization, and you earn a certificate when you complete the work. Your electronic Certificate will be added to your Accomplishments page - from there, you can print your Certificate or add it to your LinkedIn profile. If you only want to read and view the course content, you can audit the course for free.
Is financial aid available?
Yes, Coursera provides financial aid to learners who cannot afford the fee. Apply for it by clicking on the Financial Aid link beneath the "Enroll" button on the left. You'll be prompted to complete an application and will be notified if you are approved. You'll need to complete this step for each course in the Specialization, including the Capstone Project. Learn more.
More questions? Visit the Learner Help Center.
