Medical Cannabis Certification

Medical cannabis is gaining momentum in America, with more states legalizing its use and dispensaries opening up across the country. Yet physicians, pharmacists, and nurses received next to no education on cannabis as a therapeutic option in their medical training.

Keep an eye out for the next offering planned for fall 2024.

Pennsylvania’s new medical marijuana law requires that licensed dispensaries employ a pharmacist or physician on site during operating hours. Satellite locations may also employ nurse practitioners or physician assistants to serve as on-site medical professionals.

These professionals are required to take a DOH-approved, four-hour medical cannabis training course. Practitioners who want to recommend medical cannabis to patients in Pennsylvania must also meet state requirements, register online, and receive approval.

With states authorizing medical cannabis use for various specified medical conditions, all healthcare professionals (not just those working in dispensaries) benefit from attending Saint Joseph's medical cannabis continuing education.

These professionals need customized training that keeps pace with the latest discoveries in the field. Our live trainings are not only more interactive and engaging than the recorded courses offered elsewhere, but participants receive up-to-the minute information on regulation changes and emerging state-specific dispensary and formulation.

Medical Cannabis: Clinical Considerations and Dispensing in PA 

The purpose of this course is to educate physicians, pharmacists, certified registered nurse practitioners or physician assistants seeking to register with the Pennsylvania Department of Health’s Medical Marijuana Program. All health professionals interested in learning more about medical cannabis are also encouraged to attend.

The course covers the DOH required topics, covering state and federal regulations, the endocannabinoid system, cannabis pharmacology, and best practices in patient evaluation, product formulation and dosing. Participants will learn about the potential for drug interactions, adverse events, and addiction, and how to address concurrent opioid use, as well as palliative care considerations for pain management. 

Learning Objectives

After attending this program, the participant should be able to:

1. Explain the status of cannabis as a controlled substance under U.S. federal law & the provisions of Pennsylvania's Medical Marijuana Act of 2016 relevant to the responsibilities of the practitioner or medical professional (i.e., PDMP, informed consent)
2. Describe key features of the endocannabinoid system & cannabis pharmacology, and non-phytocannabinoid constitutes of cannabis; including risk vs benefits
3. Discuss best practices in patient evaluation, medical marijuana product choice, dosage and therapeutic monitoring based on the patient’s serious medical condition; including recognition of potential drug interactions, side effects, potential addiction
4. Have informed discussions with patients about the risks and benefits of medical cannabis for the Pennsylvania approved serious medical conditions
5. Evaluate concurrent opioid use, risk management needs, misuse of opioids and medical marijuana, palliative care and pain management considerations

Faculty

The faculty for this course are:

Christine Roussel, PharmD, BCOP, BCSCP
Senior Executive Director
Doylestown Hospital

Maria Foy, PharmD, BCPS, CPE
Clinical Pharmacy specialist in Palliative Care
Abington Hospital Jefferson Health

Certification Course Cost

Course registration for medical professionals requiring the DOH-approved Certificate of Completion is $225-$275. Allied health professionals, students, or individuals who do not require continuing education hours and the DOH certificate can attend for $75. Discounted rates are available to members of sponsoring health systems or medical societies, and to Saint Joseph's alumni, faculty, students, and staff.

For questions about Medical Cannabis education at Saint Joseph's, or to discuss partnering with us for a webinar or live training course at your health system location, please email Andrew M. Peterson, PharmD, PhD, or call 215-596-8877.

Financial Support

This program did not receive any financial support.

To obtain credit: For successful completion of the program and eligibility for credit, the participant must be present for the entire program and participate in discussions/assessment activities. In order to obtain credit for this program, attendees must sign the attendance sheet and complete the online program evaluation.