The Hawaiʻi Department of Health (DOH) is now offering free, accredited Continuing Medical Education (CME) and Continuing Education (CE) courses on medical cannabis to licensed healthcare providers across the state. The courses, which are available to the first 200 registrants, are designed to give providers a foundational understanding of the endocannabinoid system and the clinical applications of medical cannabis and CBD.
According to Dr. Kenneth Fink, DOH director, these courses are crucial for providers, especially with over 30,000 patients currently registered in Hawaiʻi’s medical cannabis program.
“Recognizing potential side effects and drug interactions will help improve patient safety,” Dr. Fink said.
The evidence-based courses will provide healthcare providers with a better understanding of the pharmacology of cannabinoids, their potential therapeutic benefits, and appropriate dosing strategies. The DOH notes that while medical cannabis can offer benefits for conditions such as chronic pain and certain seizure disorders, its use can pose risks for vulnerable populations, including those who are immunocompromised, pregnant, or have a history of mental health disorders.
The Hawaiʻi Medical Cannabis Course Bundle includes a three-credit course on medical cannabis and a two-credit course on the use of CBD in clinical care. The bundle also features a module on Hawaiʻi’s specific medical cannabis rules and regulations.
Licensed healthcare providers in Hawaiʻi are encouraged to take advantage of the complimentary access, which is available to the first 200 registrants. After the initial enrollment, the course will be available for a fee. Instructions for complimentary access can be found on the DOH Office of Medical Cannabis and Control (OMCCR) website.