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Course Description

Course Number 20-705780

     Marijuana has been used as a treatment for health conditions for thousands of years yet so little is known of the therapeutic effects, as well as other health effects, of this complex plant. Although voters in Florida legalized medical marijuana though Amendment 2 in 2016, the laws which regulate its use have grown to be somewhat intricate. Health care professionals need to have knowledge of current laws which govern the medical use of marijuana in the State of Florida, its indications for use, restrictions, therapeutic and other effects, as well as implications for current and future research.

  • Course Category | Pharmacology

  • Original Release Date | 01/20/2019

  • Date of Most Recent Review | 12/21/2021

  • Next Review / Course Termination Date | 12/20/2024

Educational Goals & Learning Outcomes

     The goal of this course is to increase the participants knowledge of medical marijuana including; recent federal and Florida legislation; how the State of Florida defines marijuana; the types of cannabinoids available in Florida; qualifying medical conditions approved in Florida; therapeutic effects as well as other effects of marijuana; restrictions for the use of marijuana in Florida; implications for current and future research. Upon completion, participants will be able to:

  • Interpret federal and Florida marijuana legislation

  • Evaluate how the State of Florida defines marijuana

  • Categorize the types of cannabinoids available in Florida

  • Compare the qualifying medical conditions approved in Florida

  • Appraise therapeutic effects as well as other effects of marijuana

  • Examine restrictions for the use of marijuana in Florida

  • Analyze implications for current and future research

About the Course Author(s)

Darren C. Leach, MSN, ARNP, NP-C

   Darren C. Leach is a nurse practitioner and author. He is licensed as an APRN by the State of Florida and Certified by the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners. His professional experience ranges across the lifespan from infants to the elderly with positions in adult internal and emergency care, pediatric internal and emergency care, pediatric and neonatal intensive care as well as endocrinology and nephrology. He has also provided education to nurses, patients, and families in a variety of formats and settings. He received his Baccalaureate of Science degree in Nursing from the University of South Florida in 2005, and his Masters of Science degree in Family Health Nursing in 2010. Mr. Leach has authored numerous courses, including many for MedCEC. To view Mr. Leach's full bio click here.