THC in the 21st Century Module 1: CBD, Delta Variants, Addiction, Mental Health, Commercial Products, and Childhood Exposure
Information
Recorded
Learning Objectives
Participants will be able to:
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Describe 2 differences between marijuana before and after the advent of commercial sales.
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Explain how societal forces have shaped collective opinion of cannabis and THC.
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Identify, define, and describe when it is appropriate to use the terms Cannabis, THC, and Commercial Products.
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Explain the importance of using appropriate and relevant language in the discussion of cannabis.
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Define “Full Spectrum” and “CBD Infused.”
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Compare the pharmaceutical market and the unregulated cottage industry.
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Identify 1 claim about CBD that has been proven, 1 currently being researched, and 1 that has been disproven.
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Explain how the Farm Bill changed the commercial marijuana marketplace.
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Identify and describe: THCA, THCO, THCV, THCP, HHC, Delta 8 and Delta 10.
Educational Goal
Description
In this module, we will explore the fundamental changes brought about first through the selective breeding of the cannabis plant and then by commercially sold products. Understanding the origins and evolution of the plant and products is key to understanding today’s climate and associated use patterns. The Miracle Drug has very real medical indications and validated uses, but many more are aspirational at best and often made up. We must understand what this chemical can, can’t, and might be able to do. It is also important to understand the risks of use and the market behind the products. The Farm Bill (H.R.2 – Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018) passed by Congress in 2018 created a number of loopholes that led to a booming industry of products derived from cannabis but not Delta 9 THC. These products are sold in all 50 states with little to no regulation and have predictable and unpredictable effects on the user. This foundational knowledge will be essential to understanding other topics.
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