Cannabis and THC

More and more states are decriminalizing and legalizing cannabis for recreational use. Cannabis education is increasingly important as perceptions of the risk associated with cannabis use change. Cannabis use can severely impact you and those around you. It can lead to psychosis, impair learning, cause problems later in life, impair driving ability, and more. Cannabis Wise is a prevention course designed to dispel common myths about cannabis, clarify understanding about THC vs CBD in cannabis, and challenge expectancies related to THC use and reduce high-risk behavior. Fully-researched, evidence-based information allows students to objectively view cannabis use.

Learning Outcomes of Cannabis Wise include:

Self-assess patterns of use on a daily and weekly basis
Understand how marijuana works and how the body absorbs and metabolizes THC and other chemicals
Review a confidential summary based on their personal use, if any
Recognize links to schizophrenia and impact on IQ from persistent cannabis use
Identify dangerous health consequences of using synthetic marijuana
Recognize that cannabis is almost four times as potent today as it was 20 years ago
Understand the difference between CBD and THC in cannabis products
Discuss the different forms of concentrates and how they are created
Recognize negative health effects of use on respiratory system and brain function and development
Discuss effects cannabis can have on a user’s life, both short- and long-term
Recognize the possibility of legal consequences from cannabis use, even in states where it is legal for certain uses
Discuss the positive and negative effects of vaping cannabis
Discuss how certain methods of use feel “safer” but actually result in more dangerous use
Recognize danger of cannabis-induced harmful behaviors
Compare peer use and perception of peer use
Understand that cannabis affects a user for up to three days after use
Understand that cannabis use may increase the likelihood of using other drugs and/or alcohol
Understand the “Expectancy Effect”
Discuss cannabis use disorder (CUD) and factors that increase its likelihood
Explore negative outcomes that can result from use including addiction, tolerance, dependence, and overdosing

THC 101 is a personalized, interactive cannabis intervention course geared toward individuals with violations such as marijuana possession, selling marijuana, or drugged driving. The course includes multiple lessons addressing THC’s effects on health, changes in cannabis and it’s potency, driving under the influence, state-specific laws, and drug interactions.

After taking THC 101, the student will be able to:

Self-assess patterns of use on a daily, weekly and monthly basis
Identify reasons for using
Understand how cannabis has changed over the years
Recognize negative health effects of use on respiratory system and brain function and development
Recognize links to schizophrenia, acute psychotic reactions and impact on IQ from persistent use
Discuss both long- and short-term impacts of cannabis use on user’s life
Recognize possible legal consequences from cannabis use, even in states where it is legal for certain uses
Compare use and perception of use to other individuals
Understand how long cannabis can affect the body
Categorize the “good things” and “not-so-good” things about their cannabis use to identify with the outcomes
Understand how cannabis use may increase the likelihood of using other drugs and/or alcohol
Examine other substance use and how it interacts with cannabis
Examine how social situations can influence cannabis use
Understand how cannabis use impacts driving ability
Discuss amotivational syndrome that can result from extended cannabis use
Examine financial costs and impact of extended cannabis use
Discuss how age impacts the likelihood of cannabis addiction
Evaluate the positive things they can expect to gain from not using cannabis
Identify goals and aspirations that will be helpful in making a change in their personal cannabis use
Identify strategies they can use to make a change in their cannabis use
Review a confidential, in-depth eCHECKUP TO GO summary based on their personal cannabis use