The Science of Marijuana Conference

Program Overview: The legalization of the sale of marijuana in the states of Colorado and Washington has sparked discussion across the country around the use of marijuana and its effects on the brain. This program seeks to raise awareness of the science of marijuana, its impact on mood and anxiety disorders, and the current research on marijuana’s medicinal benefits. The program will also highlight the regulatory progress in Colorado.

Objectives: At the end of this program, participants will be able to:

• Describe the marijuana legalization process in Colorado, including challenges and effects
• Discuss the biological, physiological and behavioral effects of marijuana
• Understand the biology of marijuana dependency
• Discuss the significance of the Mental Health Parity Act and the importance of addressing mental health and addiction as public health issues
• Understand current research on marijuana’s medical benefits and the non-smoked pharmaceutically dispensed alternatives
• Summarize the APA’s, the AMA’s and the ASAM’s positions on marijuana, its use and addiction