Attendees will gain an in-depth understanding of the endocannabinoid system (ECS), including its physiology, pharmacology, and therapeutic applications across various medical conditions. Sessions cover Endocannabinoid System (ECS) function in pain, immune response, and neurological disorders, followed by guidance on different cannabis delivery methods and practical dosing strategies.
The program also addresses safety concerns, drug-drug interactions, and specific applications for elderly and pediatric patients, alongside evidence-based discussions on cannabis for chronic pain, insomnia, and psychiatric conditions. The day concludes with a case discussion workshop, where participants develop and present tailored cannabinoid treatment plans, enhancing their confidence and practical skills for real-world clinical use.
Program Overview
This workshop will be led by Bonni Goldstein, MD, the Practicum’s originator, Dustin Sulak, DO., Laszlo Mechtler, MD., and
This pre-conference workshop includes a full-day practicum on Wednesday, June 18th, 2025. Allowing participants to attend oral presentations that take place the following day. Each of the presenters will share the latest research, their clinical experience, and practice guidelines related to cannabinoid therapeutics. CME / CEU credits available**
Medical Teaching Team
Medical Practicum Workshop Schedule
Wednesday, June 18th, 2025 / 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM8:00 am - 8:35 am - Welcome and Introductions: Bonni Goldstein
8:35 am - 9:05 am - Endocannabinoid Physiology: Bonni Goldstein
This presentation will explore the key components of the endocannabinoid system (ECS), including its receptors, endogenous ligands, and enzymes involved in regulation. We will discuss how the ECS maintains homeostasis in various physiological processes such as pain modulation, immune response, and neural function. Special attention will be given to the clinical relevance of the ECS, including its role in conditions like chronic pain, inflammation, and neurodegenerative diseases, as well as endocannabinoid deficiency and overactivity. This talk is designed to enhance healthcare professionals’ understanding of the ECS and its impact on treatment strategies.
9:05 am - 9:40 am - Endocannabinoid System Pharmacology: Dustin Sulak
Cannabis sativa’s clinical safety and versatility stem from the pharmacologic actions of its major constituents, the cannabinoids. This presentation includes clinically-relevant botany, the mechanisms of action of the major neutral and acidic cannabinoids, pharmacokinetics of common delivery methods, multiphasic dose-response effects, and the intriguing data from the ultra-low dose range.
9:40 am - 10:30 am - Methods of Delivery / Types of Products: Laura Barrett
This lecture will provide a comprehensive overview of the various methods for using medical cannabis and the wide range of product types available to patients. We will discuss the differences between inhalation, oral ingestion, sublingual application, and topical use, highlighting the advantages and potential limitations of each method in clinical settings. The presentation will cover different cannabis formulations, including oils, tinctures, capsules, edibles, transdermal patches, and vaporized products, while discussing factors such as bioavailability, onset time, and duration of effects.
10:30 am - 11:15 am - Cannabinoid Dosing: Dustin Sulak
This presentation will focus on how to approach the process of dosing cannabinoid-based medicines, emphasizing patient safety and therapeutic efficacy. Practical dosing strategies, including the "start low, go slow" approach, will be discussed alongside clinical pearls for titration, managing side effects, and monitoring patient response. The talk will also provide insights on adjusting doses for different conditions with the goal of achieving the best possible patient outcomes while minimizing adverse effects.
11:15 am - 12:00 pm - Drug Interactions/Adverse Events (CHS): Bonni Goldstein
Concerns about cannabinoid-drug interactions may add to the clinicians reluctance to add cannabinoids to a patient's medication regimen. This lecture will provide a thorough overview of the potential cannabinoid-drug interactions, side effects, safety concerns, and cautions related to the use of cannabinoid-based medicines, allowing the clinician to feel confident about medical canabis recommendations. This talk will also cover cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome (CHS), highlighting its symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment. Healthcare providers will learn strategies to monitor and mitigate risks of cannabis medicine while optimizing patient outcomes.
12:00 pm - 12:45 pm - Cannabis and Neurological Disorders: Laszlo Mechtler
This lecture will explore the emerging role of cannabis-based therapies in the treatment of various neurologic disorders. We will review the evidence supporting the use of cannabinoids for conditions such as migraine, dementia, multiple sclerosis, and neurodegenerative diseases like Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s. Topics will include the neuroprotective, anti-inflammatory, and pain-relieving properties of cannabinoids, along with clinical insights on dosing, administration methods, and patient response. Special focus will be given to how cannabis can address the unique symptoms of these disorders, including pain, spasticity, cognitive decline, and nausea, providing healthcare professionals with practical guidance on integrating cannabis into neurologic care.
12:45 pm - 2:50 pm- Lunch Break and Networking
2:50pm - 3:20 pm - Cannabis in the Geriatric Population: Laura Barrett
This lecture will focus on the safe and effective use of medical cannabis in the older adult population, addressing common age-related conditions and challenges specific to this population, including polypharmacy, altered metabolism, and potential drug interactions. The talk will provide practical guidance on dosing strategies, selecting appropriate product types, and monitoring for side effects, with a focus on improving quality of life while minimizing risks. Healthcare professionals will learn how to integrate cannabis therapies to meet the specific needs of older adults, promoting both symptom relief and overall well-being.
3:20 pm - 3:50 pm - Cannabis in the Pediatric Population: Bonni Goldstein
This lecture will focus on the use of medical cannabis in pediatric patients with epilepsy, autism, and other complex medical conditions. Dr. Goldstein will review the growing body of evidence supporting cannabinoids for treatment-resistant epilepsy, highlighting clinical outcomes, safety profiles, and dosing considerations. Special attention will be given to the role of the endocannabinoid system in autism and the use of cannabis in managing behavioral challenges in children with autism. Attendees will get practical guidance on titration strategies, drug interactions and managing side effects.
3:50 pm - 4:30 pm – Cannabis for Chronic Pain & Insomnia: Dustin Sulak
Two of the most common conditions in clinical practice for which medical cannabis is utilized are chronic pain and insomnia. Dr. Sulak will discuss the mechanisms by which cannabinoids modulate pain and improve sleep quality, highlighting the evidence for their use in conditions such as fibromyalgia, arthritis, neuropathy, and sleep disorders. Strategies for opioid reduction will be reviewed, highlighting harm reduction and reduced mortality.
4:30 pm - 5:00 pm - Cannabis and Psychiatric Disorders: Bonni Goldstein
This lecture will provide an in-depth examination of the emerging research on medical cannabis use in the treatment of psychiatric disorders, including anxiety, depression, PTSD, and schizophrenia. The presentation will highlight the mechanisms of action of cannabinoids within the endocannabinoid system, emphasizing their impact on mood regulation and stress response. Dr. Goldstein will review current clinical evidence, highlighting both potential benefits and risks, and will discuss the use of different cannabinoids for these challenging conditions. Healthcare professionals will gain insights into dosing strategies and therapeutic goals, as well as the importance of monitoring for adverse effects in psychiatric populations.
5:00 pm - 6:00 pm - Case Discussion Workshop: All Faculty
Attendees will be organized into small groups and provided with detailed patient scenarios that reflect a variety of clinical situations requiring cannabinoid treatment. Each group will work collaboratively to develop a comprehensive cannabinoid regimen tailored to the specific needs of the patients in their scenarios. Following this collaborative exercise, each group will present their proposed treatment plan for open discussion and feedback from faculty members and peers. This interactive format aims to deepen participants' understanding of initiating cannabis treatment and to refine their skills in formulating effective cannabinoid regimens, ultimately enhancing their confidence in applying this knowledge in real-world patient care.
CME / CEU INFORMATION
ANCC
This activity has been planned and implemented in accordance with the accreditation requirements and policies of the American Nurses Credentialing Center’s Commission on Accreditation through the joint providership of the Nurse Practitioner Healthcare Foundation and Horizon CME. The Nurse Practitioner Healthcare Foundation is accredited as a provider of nursing continuing professional development by the American Nurses Credentialing Center’s Commission on Accreditation. NPHF is awarding the contact hours and is responsible for adherence to the ANCC criteria. Upon completion, NPs and RNs will be awarded up to 6.0 contact hours.
CME
AMA PRA Category 1 Credit(s)™
Accreditation Statement
Horizon CME is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education to provide continuing medical education for physicians.
Credit Designation
Horizon CME designates this live activity for a maximum of 6.0 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit(s)™. Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.
If you’re unable to attend, please contact (info@medicinalgenomics.com) to process your credit according to the CannMed Events Cancellation Policy.