Certificate in Medical Cannabis

Cannabis has been used for religious, spiritual, industrial, therapeutic, and other purposes for thousands of years. As a result of changes in social and legal perspectives, there has been a surge in cannabis legislation during the last few decades that has outpaced the research available on the use of cannabis and how it impacts the body. The use of medical cannabis provides both opportunities and challenges for health care providers and legislators, as well as employers and employees of all industries.

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6 Weeks / 8 Course Hrs
Starting  November 11, 2026
Offered in partnership with your preferred school

Stephen F. Austin State University

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Certificate in Medical Cannabis

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Course code: 0mc

Cannabis has been used for religious, spiritual, industrial, therapeutic, and other purposes for thousands of years. It has a complex, colorful, and culturally significant history throughout the world. During the past several decades, social perspectives on the recreational and medicinal use of cannabis have evolved. As a result of changes in social and legal perspectives, there has been a surge in cannabis legislation during the last few decades that has outpaced the research available on the use of cannabis and how it impacts the body. Currently, the research about the effectiveness of cannabis remains diverse. There are many considerations about which health conditions could benefit from its use, and there are many routes of cannabis administration that influence the decision to use it. The use of medical cannabis provides both opportunities and challenges for health care providers and legislators, as well as for employers and employees of all industries.

The outcome of this course is for the learner to describe the history, culture, and business factors related to medical cannabis; describe the legal, ethical, and social issues related to cannabis; describe the effects of cannabis on the body; and describe the health care applications of medical cannabis.

(8.0 contact hours)

Expiration Date (Next date of course revision): 09/01/2029

Conflicts of Interest and Relevant Financial Relationships: The authors/planning committee members have no conflicts of interest or relevant financial relationships to declare relevant to this activity.

Non-endorsement of Products: Accreditation refers to recognition of continuing nursing education only and does not imply ALLEGRA approval or endorsement of any commercial product.

Accreditation:

American Nurses Credentialing Center

ALLEGRA Learning Solutions, LLC is accredited as a provider of nursing continuing professional development by the American Nurses Credentialing Center’s Commission on Accreditation.

ALLEGRA Learning Solutions, LLC is accredited with distinction as a provider of nursing continuing professional development by the American Nurses Credentialing Center’s Commission on Accreditation.

Accreditation refers to recognition of continuing nursing education only and does not imply ALLEGRA Learning Solutions or Commission on Accreditation approval or endorsement of any commercial product(s).

ALLEGRA Learning Solutions courses are acceptable for continuing education in all states.

American Board of Managed Care Nursing

The American Board of Managed Care Nursing recognizes all of ALLEGRA Learning Solutions’ ANCC accredited courses for continuing education credit for Certified Managed Care Nurses (CMCNs).

National Association of Alcohol and Drug Abuse Counselors

ALLEGRA Learning Solutions is an approved provider with the National Association of Alcohol and Drug Abuse Counselors (NAADAC) (Provider #107194).

National Certification Board for Diabetes Educators

ALLEGRA Learning Solutions, LLC is accredited as a provider of continuing nursing education by the American Nurses Credentialing Center’s Commission on Accreditation. To satisfy the requirement for renewal of certification by continuing education for the National Certification Board for Diabetes Educators (NCBDE), continuing education activities must be applicable to diabetes and approved by a provider on the NCBDE List of Recognized Providers (www.ncbde.org). NCBDE does not approve continuing education.

What you will learn

  • Describe the history, culture, and business issues related to medical cannabis.
  • Explain the effects of cannabis on the body.
  • Describe the legal, ethical, and social issues related to medical cannabis.
  • Describe the health care applications of medical cannabis.

How you will benefit

  • Understand business issues related to the cannabis industry
  • Recognize the historical and cultural aspects of cannabis that affect today's usage
  • Learn about the endocannabinoid system
  • Understand the effects of CBD on the body
  • Learn about cannabis use disorders
  • Identify the legal, ethical, and social issues that affect medical cannabis
  • Learn about the medical marijuana program and its relevance to medical cannabis
  • Understand health conditions for which medical cannabis may be effective, and the health care considerations involved in the decision to use cannabis

How the course is taught

  • Instructor-Moderated or Self-Guided online course
  • 6 Weeks access
  • 8 course hours

Cannabis has been used for religious, spiritual, industrial, therapeutic, and other purposes for thousands of years. It has a complex, colorful, and culturally significant history throughout the world. During the past several decades, social perspectives on the recreational and medicinal use of cannabis have evolved. The business of cannabis has also evolved, and with it, there are important considerations for those involved in every aspect of it to ensure that individuals who use cannabis can be assured a safe and effective product.

The outcome of this course is for the learner to describe the physical components of cannabis, as well as important aspects of the history of its use, and elements of the business of cannabis, including aspects that address environmental and human health. 

The use of medicinal plants by humans has occurred since prehistoric times. As a result of changes in social and legal perspectives, there has been a surge in cannabis legislation during the last few decades that has outpaced the research available on the use of cannabis and how it impacts the body. The endocannabinoid system (ECS) is a complex biological system comprised of chemical signals and cellular receptors present in our brain and throughout our body. It interacts with cannabis and its compounds and can result in a variety of psychological and physiological effects. If overused, cannabis can also result in many disorders, including the cannabis use disorder (CUD).

The outcome of this course is for the learner to describe the endocannabinoid system, the effects of cannabis on the human body, and various use disorders related to cannabis. 

Evolving cannabis legalization across the United States and globally is changing the way individuals live with these new laws. While cannabis is still illegal at the U.S. federal level, hemp and its extractions (such as cannabidiol, or CBD) are legal. Cannabis consumers and their reasons for using cannabis are diverse, and they challenge the stereotypes typically associated with cannabis use. While cannabis laws are evolving, there are still social, ethical, and legal issues associated with its use that present both challenges and opportunities for health care providers, legislators, as well as employers, and employees of all industries.

The outcome of this course is for the learner to identify key state and federal laws related to the use of cannabis, identify key demographic characteristics of cannabis users, and explain issues related to cannabis as it affects health care, employment, social justice, ethics, and legislative advocacy.

Because of the long history of cannabis as a medicinal plant, there are many who view it as effective in treating a variety of medical and psychiatric conditions. Currently, the research about the effectiveness of cannabis remains diverse, with a few conditions having some credible evidence of benefit for anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, neuroprotective, and neuroregenerative processes. There are many considerations about what health conditions could benefit from its use, and there are many routes of cannabis administration that influence the decision to use it.

The outcome of this course is for the learner to describe the various health conditions for which cannabis may, or may not be effective, as well as to describe the routes of administration, and clinical concerns about drug interactions and monitoring its effectiveness.

Caroline Swenson

Caroline Swenson, M.P.H., has an extensive public health background that includes experience in research, workshop presentations in various areas of health care, and online and onsite teaching. She has expertise in holistic community health and wellness program design, development, marketing, implementation, and evaluation. She has also designed, developed, and presented integrative health programs for culturally diverse populations, senior populations, and faith communities. She is the co-author (with Cyndie Koopsen) of two health care textbooks. She is the co-CEO and co-founder of ALLEGRA Learning Solutions, LLC and has designed and developed over 300 online professional continuing education courses.

Instructor Interaction: The instructor looks forward to interacting with learners in the online moderated discussion area to share their expertise and answer any questions you may have on the course content.

Prerequisites:

There are no prerequisites to take this course.

Requirements:

Hardware Requirements:

  • This course can be taken on either a PC, Mac, or Chromebook.

Software Requirements:

  • PC: Windows 10 or later.
  • Mac: macOS 10.6 or later.
  • Browser: The latest version of Google Chrome or Mozilla Firefox is preferred. Microsoft Edge and Safari are also compatible.
  • Adobe Acrobat Reader
  • Software must be installed and fully operational before the course begins.

Other:

  • Email capabilities and access to a personal email account.

Instructional Material Requirements:

The instructional materials required for this course are included in enrollment and will be available online.

Completion Requirements:

You must complete all lessons to receive your certificate. You must pass the final exam in all lessons with a score of 80% or higher AND complete the Evaluation Form in order to receive your Certificate of Completion. Finals are graded as Pass or No Pass. Receipt of your certificate indicates successful completion of the course and that you have passed all final exams with a score of 80% or greater. You may retake final exams as many times as necessary within the duration of the course at no additional charge.

Instructor-Moderated: A new session of each course begins each month. Please refer to the session start dates for scheduling.​

Each lesson will finish with a final exam that must be passed with a score of 80% or higher. You can retake each Exam as many times as needed to pass within the duration of your course access. There are no quizzes or a cumulative final exam.

Instructor-Moderated: Once a course session starts, two lessons will be released each week for the 6 week duration of your course. You will have access to all previously released lessons until the course ends. You will interact with the instructor through the online discussion area. There are no live sessions or online meetings with the instructor.

Self-Guided: You have 3 months of access to the course. After enrolling, you can learn and complete the course at your own pace, within the allotted access period. You will have the opportunity to interact with other students in the online discussion area.

You can complete each lesson at your own pace. There is no time limit to complete each lesson, other than completing all lessons within your course access period. You must complete the mandatory course evaluation within the duration of your course to access your certificate of completion.

Instructor-Moderated: Students enrolled in a six-week online class benefit from a one-time, 10-day extension for each course. No further extensions can be provided beyond these 10 days.​

Self-Guided: Because this course is self-guided, no extensions will be granted after the start of your enrollment.​

You must complete all lessons to receive your certificate. You must pass the final exam in all lessons with a score of 80% or higher AND complete the Evaluation Form in order to receive your Certificate of Completion. Finals are graded as Pass or No Pass. Receipt of your certificate indicates successful completion of the course and that you have passed all final exams with a score of 80% or greater. You may retake final exams as many times as necessary within the duration of the course at no additional charge.

Yes. This course is acceptable for continuing education contact hours in all states. However, all healthcare providers are responsible for checking the "Accreditation" list to determine if this course awards contact hours for their profession.

Yes. ALLEGRA Learning Solutions, LLC is accredited as a provider of nursing continuing professional development by the American Nurses Credentialing Center's Commission on Accreditation.

NURSING

ALLEGRA Learning Solutions, LLC is accredited with distinction as a provider of nursing continuing professional development by the American Nurses Credentialing Center's Commission on Accreditation.

ALLEGRA Learning Solutions courses are acceptable for continuing education in all states. Provider approved by the California Board of Registered Nursing, Provider #CEP 14693, for the stated number of contact hours.

CERTIFIED NURSING ASSISTANTS (CNAs) & CERTIFIED HEMODIALYSIS TECHNICIANS (CHTs)
The California Department of Health, Aid, and Technician Certification Section accepts continuing education offered by CA-BRN approved providers.

CERTIFIED MANAGED CARE NURSE (CMCN)
The American Board of Managed Care Nursing recognizes all of ALLEGRA Learning Solutions' ANCC accredited courses for continuing education credit for Certified Managed Care Nurses (CMCNs).

DIABETES EDUCATORS

ALLEGRA Learning Solutions, LLC is accredited as a provider of continuing nursing education by the American Nurses Credentialing Center's Commission on Accreditation. To satisfy the requirement for renewal of certification by continuing education for the National Certification Board for Diabetes Educators (NCBDE), continuing education activities must be applicable to diabetes and approved by a provider on the NCBDE List of Recognized Providers (www.ncbde.org). NCBDE does not approve continuing education.

NAADAC (National Association for Alcoholism and Drug Abuse Counselors)

ALLEGRA Learning Solutions is an approved provider with the National Association of Alcohol and Drug Abuse Counselors(NAADAC) (Provider #107194).

A new session of each course begins each month. Please refer to the session start dates for scheduling.

Each lesson will finish with a final exam that must be passed with a score of 80% or higher. You can retake each exam as many times as needed to pass within the duration of your course access. There are no quizzes or cumulative final exam. You will have access to all lessons at the start of your course, and an instructor is available if you have any questions.

You can complete each lesson at your own pace. There is no time limit to complete each lesson, other than completing all lessons within your course access period. You must complete the mandatory course evaluation within the duration of your course to access your certificate of completion.

An automatic 10-day extension is provided immediately after the session end date. No further extension can be provided beyond these 10 days.

You must complete all lessons to receive your certificate. You must pass the final exam in all lessons with a score of 80% or higher AND complete the Evaluation Form in order to receive your Certificate of Completion. Finals are graded as Pass or No Pass. Receipt of your certificate indicates successful completion of the course and that you have passed all final exams with a score of 80% or greater. You may retake final exams as many times as necessary within the duration of the course at no additional charge.

Yes. This course is acceptable for continuing education contact hours in all states. However, all healthcare providers are responsible for checking the "Accreditation" list to determine if this course awards contact hours for their profession.

Yes. ALLEGRA Learning Solutions, LLC is accredited as a provider of nursing continuing professional development by the American Nurses Credentialing Center's Commission on Accreditation.

American Nurses Credentialing Center

ALLEGRA Learning Solutions, LLC is accredited as a provider of nursing continuing professional development by the American Nurses Credentialing Center’s Commission on Accreditation.

ALLEGRA Learning Solutions, LLC is accredited with distinction as a provider of nursing continuing professional development by the American Nurses Credentialing Center’s Commission on Accreditation.

Accreditation refers to recognition of continuing nursing education only and does not imply ALLEGRA Learning Solutions or Commission on Accreditation approval or endorsement of any commercial product(s).

ALLEGRA Learning Solutions courses are acceptable for continuing education in all states.

American Board of Managed Care Nursing

The American Board of Managed Care Nursing recognizes all of ALLEGRA Learning Solutions’ ANCC accredited courses for continuing education credit for Certified Managed Care Nurses (CMCNs).

National Association of Alcohol and Drug Abuse Counselors

ALLEGRA Learning Solutions is an approved provider with the National Association of Alcohol and Drug Abuse Counselors (NAADAC) (Provider #107194).

National Certification Board for Diabetes Educators

ALLEGRA Learning Solutions, LLC is accredited as a provider of continuing nursing education by the American Nurses Credentialing Center’s Commission on Accreditation. To satisfy the requirement for renewal of certification by continuing education for the National Certification Board for Diabetes Educators (NCBDE), continuing education activities must be applicable to diabetes and approved by a provider on the NCBDE List of Recognized Providers (www.ncbde.org). NCBDE does not approve continuing education.