LIVE: Marijuana and Cannabinoids: An Overview for Forensic Mental Health Professionals
4 Hours | 4 CEs
Live Training via Zoom
Shawn K. Acheson, PhD presents a live virtual professional training program on Marijuana and Cannabinoids: An Overview for Forensic Mental Health Professionals in partnership with the American Academy of Forensic Psychology (AAFP).
This program will provide a broad overview of marijuana and related natural and synthetic cannabinoids. Topics to be covered will include the history of their use and the evolution of THC content and synthetics; the basic pharmacology of how cannabinoids affect the brain and how they are processed by the body; and the cognitive, behavioral, and psychomimetic effects of cannabinoids. Participants will also learn how this information relates to specific forensic matters such as criminal competence, mental state at the time of the offense, and mitigation at sentencing.
This training is intended for fellow psychologists of all levels of experience, particularly those working in criminal forensic contexts. Psychologists in private practice, as well as those working in state hospitals, state or federal prisons, may benefit from the material presented. However, various other professionals may also gain valuable information including psychiatrists, social workers, and counselors with experience or interest in forensic matters.
Training Outline:
Brief History of Cannabis and Cannabinoids
- Crime and Use statistics
- Changes in potency and the designer craze
- The evolution of delta-9 alternatives (e.g., CBD, Delat-8, Delta-10)
Basic Pharmacology of Cannabinoids (natural and synthetic)
- Structure and function
- Drug detection and clinical laboratory findings
- Acute Intoxication, Chronic Use, & Withdrawal
Cognitive, Behavioral, and Psychotomimetic effects of cannabinoids
Forensic Applications
- Criminal Competencies
- Mental State
- Mitigation
Neurodevelopmental Effects (as time permits)
- Prenatal
- Adolescent
- Geriatric