OCNews

New course for health care providers explores rapidly-evolving medical cannabis use in Canada

Okanagan College is partnering with Durham College (DC) in Oshawa, ON and NorQuest College in Edmonton, Alta. to deliver a two-day Medical Cannabis Essentials for Health Professionals course. Facilitated live online over the weekend of Feb. 6 and 7, this unique introductory course is aimed at new and experienced health care professionals across Canada seeking to better understand medical cannabis in the context of client-centered care.

“Since adding cannabis training to our course offerings, we’ve worked with industry leaders to ensure that the courses we’re creating are answering a very clear need in our communities. The focus of the Medical Cannabis Essentials for Health Professionals course is on bringing a unique training opportunity to health care professionals who are adapting to changing needs from their patients,” says Jennifer Gorman, Associate Director of Continuing Studies and Corporate Training.

During the two-day course, participants will learn about the endocannabinoid system, cannabinoids, terpenes, cannabis consumption methods, pharmacokinetic action and cannabis strains, gaining practical information that allows them to understand medical cannabis treatment plans, including dosing, titration and identification of client risk factors.

“With research related to medical cannabis continuously evolving, its crucial for health care professionals to be aware of how medical cannabis may be used as possible treatment options for various conditions,” said Debbie Johnston, Dean, Faculty of Professional and Part-time Learning for Durham College (DC). “We are pleased to partner with two other leading Canadian post-secondary institutions to make this course possible.”

As part of the course, participants will also examine viewpoints of various regulatory bodies and associations on medical cannabis.

Okanagan College is offering the training within the community and the course is being delivered through DC’s School of Professional and Part-time Learning and upon successful completion, participants will receive a digital badge that can be added to an e-portfolio, a LinkedIn page, and more.

Medical Cannabis Essentials for Health Professionals is among the growing array of cannabis training Okanagan College offers. With courses covering topics such as cannabis business fundamentals, recreational cannabis retail sales and pest management for cannabis production, those interested in learning more about this growing industry have a wide range of options. Find the current listing on the website: okanagan.bc.ca/cannabistraining.

For more information or to register for the course, please visit Okanagan College.