Cannabinoids: Core Concepts

This course is part of our Core Concepts Series, which reviews potentially impairing drug classes from three scientific perspectives: Pharmacology, Forensic Toxicology, and Clinical Toxicology. A future supplemental series will add law enforcement and DRE perspectives for each drug class as well.

What You’ll Learn:

Pharmacology of Cannabinoids
– Role and pharmacodynamics of endogenous cannabinoids
– Physical effects and absorption mechanisms of cannabinoids
– Distribution and metabolism processes for cannabinoids
– Interpretation, tolerance, and impairment metrics for cannabinoid use

Forensic Toxicology of Cannabinoids
– Influence of THC in the brain and body
– Comparative effects of THC and alcohol in driving contexts
– Cannabis and driving considerations, including oral fluid metrics
– Analytical challenges, drug-facilitated crimes, and workplace safety implications

Clinical Toxicology of Cannabinoids
– Natural cannabinoids and clinical testing protocols
– Synthetic cannabinoids and their observable clinical effects

Upon completion, learners will have an enhanced understanding of cannabinoids, capable of applying this knowledge across different contexts.