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Module 7 provides a comprehensive, evidence-based overview of Cannabis Use Disorder (CUD), addressing its evolving epidemiology, risk factors, and health impacts within the context of expanding legalization and increasing availability of high-potency THC products. Participants will deepen their understanding of the neurobiological mechanisms underlying cannabis addiction, tolerance, withdrawal, and craving, while strengthening their ability to apply validated screening and diagnostic tools in clinical practice. The module further equips clinicians to develop individualized, patient-centered treatment plans and coordinate longitudinal care, integrating behavioral interventions, harm reduction strategies, relapse prevention, and management of co-occurring psychiatric conditions across diverse care settings.
Cannabis use patterns have evolved significantly in the context of expanding legalization, commercialization, and the availability of high-potency delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) products. Although public perception increasingly frames cannabis as low risk or therapeutic, Cannabis Use Disorder (CUD) remains prevalent, particularly among adolescents and young adults. Early initiation, frequent use, and exposure to concentrated and vaporized formulations are associated with increased risk of dependence, cognitive impairment, psychiatric comorbidity, and functional decline. Despite these trends, many clinicians report limited formal training in identifying and managing CUD.
Screening and diagnostic practices remain inconsistent across primary care, behavioral health, and addiction medicine settings. Validated tools—including the Cannabis Use Disorder Identification Test–Revised (CUDIT-R), Alcohol, Smoking and Substance Involvement Screening Test (ASSIST), and DSM-5 criteria—are available but underutilized. Knowledge gaps also persist regarding the neurobiology of cannabis addiction, including cannabinoid receptor type 1 (CB1) activation, dopamine modulation, tolerance development, and withdrawal physiology, particularly in the context of modern high-THC formulations and alternative routes of administration.
Clinicians frequently report uncertainty in assessing withdrawal severity, evaluating relapse risk, and developing individualized, patient-centered treatment plans that integrate behavioral therapies, harm reduction principles, and management of co-occurring psychiatric conditions. Additionally, evolving legal and social contexts create complexity in counseling and longitudinal care coordination.
This activity addresses identified gaps in knowledge, competence, and performance by providing evidence-based guidance on screening, diagnosis, neurobiological understanding, individualized treatment planning, relapse prevention, and coordinated longitudinal care for patients with Cannabis Use Disorder across diverse clinical settings.
Chief Medical Education Officer
Porch Light Health
Provider
Porch Light Health
Provider
Porch Light Health
Medical Lead, Infectious Disease Lead, Safety Lead
Porch Light Health
Director of Medical Services
Porch Light health
cpack@plhealth.com
Chief Clinical Officer
Porch Light Health
Provider
Porch light Health
Counselor
Porch Light Health
Director of Community Engagement and Development
Porch Light Health
Medical Director, AMSWS Lead, Lead Liaison, MA Lead
Porch Light Health
Bernie Birnbaum, MD
UCHealth
Chief of Addiction Medicine
Summit Stone Health
Provider
Porch light Health
In support of improving patient care, this activity has been planned and implemented by Porch Light Health and CME Outfitters, LLC. CME Outfitters LLC is jointly accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME), the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE), and the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC), to provide continuing education for the healthcare team.
CME Outfitters, LLC, designates this enduring material for a maximum of 1.5 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit(s)TM. Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.
This activity is designated for 1.5 contact hours.
This knowledge-based activity is approved for 1.5 contact hours (0.25 CEUs) of continuing pharmacy credit (UAN UAN JA0007185-9999-26-074-H01-P).
CME Outfitters, LLC, has been authorized by the American Academy of PAs (AAPA) to award AAPA Category 1 CME credit for activities planned in accordance with AAPA CME Criteria. This activity is designated for 1.5 AAPA Category 1 CME credits. Approval is valid until January 22, 2028. PAs should only claim credit commensurate with the extent of their participation.
As a Jointly Accredited Organization, CME Outfitters, LLC is approved to offer social work continuing education by the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) Approved Continuing Education (ACE) program. Organizations, not individual courses, are approved under this program. Regulatory boards are the final authority on courses accepted for continuing education credit. Social workers completing this course receive 1.5 general continuing education credits.
CME Outfitters, LLC is an ADA CERP Recognized Provider. ADA CERP is a service of the American Dental Association to assist dental professionals in identifying quality providers of continuing dental education. ADA CERP does not approve or endorse individual courses or instructors, nor does it imply acceptance of credit hours by boards of dentistry. Concerns or complaints about a CE provider may be directed to the provider or to the Commission for Continuing Education Provider Recognition at ADA.org/CERP.
CME Outfitters, LLC designates this activity for 1.5 continuing education credits.
Concerns or complaints about a CE provider may be directed to the provider, or to the Commission for Continuing Education Provider Recognition at ADA.org/CERP.
This activity was planned by and for the healthcare team, and learners will receive 1.5 Interprofessional Continuing Education Credit for learning and change.
| First Name | Last Name | Disclosures |
|---|---|---|
| Jeremy | Dubin DO | Nothing to disclose |
| Steve | Carleton, MSW, CAC | Nothing to disclose |
| First Name | Last Name | Disclosures |
|---|---|---|
| Carmen | Pack, MA | Nothing to disclose |
| Colleen | Weissmann, MD | Nothing to disclose |
| Dayna | DeHerrera-Smith, MPH | Nothing to disclose |
| Elizabeth | Dengler | Nothing to disclose |
| Jeremy | Dubin DO | Nothing to disclose |
| John | Hutchinson, PharmD | Nothing to disclose |
| Josh | Hammond, MD | Nothing to disclose |
| Karissa | Gayosso, NP | Nothing to disclose |
| Karlie | Straight, PA | Nothing to disclose |
| Kathleen | Crislip, FNP | Nothing to disclose |
| Ken | Davis, PA | Discloses Stock Shareholder (directly purchased): Own shares of Lilly |
| Mark | Benn, Psy.D | Nothing to disclose |
| Megan | Foutch, MSW | Nothing to disclose |
| Melissa | Lowe, FNP | Nothing to disclose |
| Randy | Fox, RN | Nothing to disclose |
| Steve | Carleton, MSW, CAC | Nothing to disclose |
| Daniela | Jones, MS | Nothing to disclose |
At the end of the module, you will be provided with the activity post-test and evaluation link, then print your certificate/statement of credit.
Credit request forms, and activity evaluations must be completed online (requires free account activation), and participants can print their certificate or statement of credit immediately. This website supports all browsers except Internet Explorer for Mac. For complete technical requirements and privacy policy, visit https://www.cmeoutfitters.com/privacy-and-confidentiality-policy
Please contact: plhu@plhealth.com
