According to the DEA, cannabis is considered to have no accepted medical use and, thus, it is illegal to possess. Yet, almost every state has enacted legislation aimed at legalizing or decriminalizing cannabis for medical or recreational use. Despite this rise in social and legal acceptance, public health concerns regarding the use of cannabis remain, especially among dental professionals, since the major routes of administration of cannabis involve the oral cavity.

This course introduces dental professionals to the pharmacology of cannabis, including its various dosage forms, routes of administration and adverse effects. Special emphasis will be placed on the effects of cannabis use on oral health and dental treatment, as well as the use of cannabis in dentistry for the management of patient anxiety and odontogenic pain.

Learning Objectives:
• Discuss the history and various types of cannabis, as well as its current legal status and proposed uses in dentistry.
• Describe the pharmacology of cannabis, including its mechanism of action, routes of administration and available formulations.
• Identify the effects of cannabis on major organ systems.
• Explain the clinical considerations of cannabis use, including adverse reactions, drug interactions and contraindications.
• Explore the dental considerations of cannabis, including potential treatment modifications, and strategies for patient care planning.

Presenter:Thomas A. Viola, R.Ph., C.C.P.