Module 4: THC and Mental Health, Physical Health, and the Effect on Mothers and Children
Information
Recorded
Learning Objectives
Participants will be able to:
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Describe the research on THC’s effect on 2 or more mental health diagnoses.
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Explain the causal relationship between THC use and mental illness.
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Describe 2 best practices for treating mental illness caused by or worsened by THC use.
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Identify and describe 3 or more short-term acute effects of THC consumption on physical health.
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Describe 3 or more effects of chronic THC use on physical health
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Identify and explain 2 or more serious and potentially life-threatening conditions caused by High Potency THC use.
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Describe 2 or more effects of consuming THC while pregnant.
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Describe 2 or more effects of consuming THC while breastfeeding.
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Identify 3 examples of social pressures to use THC during the perinatal period.
Description
The negative effects of today’s highly potent forms of THC consumption are very well understood in medical and research communities and poorly understood by the general public as well as many providers. THC-induced psychosis has never been as prevalent as it is today and can lead to anything from a bad day to permanent mental health disorders to death. Many of the conditions people believe they are treating with THC are being compounded by its use and leading to negative outcomes. We have long understood many of the effects on physical health caused by THC. This module will break them into multiple categories to better understand the effects and risks. While many mothers are encouraged to use THC for pregnancy-related problems and relaxation in parenting, the negative effects on the child’s health are of extreme concern. These effects are both in utero and while breastfeeding, as well as psychological and epigenetic.
Target Audience
- Counselor
- Marriage & Family Therapist
- Social Worker
- Substance Use Disorder Professionals
Presenters
Sober since 6/15/96, Ben has been involved in the recovery movement in almost every way imaginable, from a recipient to a provider to a spokesperson. He joined the field professionally in 2007, working in nonprofits, treatment programs, and consulting for athletics and organized labor.
Highlighted in his book, Weed, Inc.: The Truth About the Pot Lobby, THC, and the Commercial Marijuana Industry, and his TED talk “Surprising Truths about Legalizing Cannabis,” Ben has remained active in the discussion around marijuana, assisting several states efforts to hold back Big Marijuana and always advocating for recovery.
His reputation as pro-logic and recovery-oriented rather than anti-anything and his widely adopted curriculum on ethical treatment and practices have garnered national recognition. He is utilized by NFL and NCAA programs to determine the appropriate treatment for their athletes, coaches, and families and to develop recovery-oriented policies.
Ben transitioned from consultant to CEO of Foundry Steamboat in 2019. He is a board member for NALGAP (National Association of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender Treatment Providers and their allies), a Board member at SAM (Smart Approaches to Marijuana), and a faculty at numerous institutes. In 2023, Ben launched Union EAP, providing union members nationwide mental health and SUD services.
Financially Sponsored By
- Union EAP