History of Medical Cannabis

This History of Medical Cannabis course is designed to help you think critically about past, present, and future research on the health effects of cannabis, developing a more nuanced understanding of the barriers to research and the different approaches to research. You will learn about the history of cannabis cultivation, the legal history of cannabis or “marijuana,” and the barriers that have led to a lack of scientific evidence on its medical uses. You will also learn how to critically evaluate research on the effects of cannabis and discuss the associated risks of cannabis use in the context of public health and epidemiological studies. Finally, you will learn how to use cannabis products in ways that minimize risk and maximize potential benefit. Gaining this knowledge will be useful in informing public policy, public health, and personal decisions regarding the use of cannabis products.