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Holistic Cannabis Academy Curriculum

Paths to Cannabis Competency

The Holistic Cannabis Academy: What Makes this Education & Training Program Unique?

  • Designed for holistic-minded practitioners, consultants, caregivers & the canna-curious who consider all aspects of health, wellness & lifestyles
  • Offers a turn-key solution for YOU as the consultant or practitioner to provide materials & handouts to your clients/patients – no more writing your own materials or searching the internet for credible information
  • Features leading medical cannabis clinicians & researchers who are also dynamic educators
  • Includes audio recordings, released on a weekly schedule, you can listen to anytime, anywhere on any device with a Wi-Fi connection
  • Provides business-building & marketing tools to help you market your new competency

Track I – Groundwork: Foundational Fundamentals

Module 1: Cannabis through the Ages: A Historical Basis of a Plant

Medicinal cannabis hemp have been an integral part of American history, politics policy. Follow the evolution of cannabis hemp from our founding fathers to 1930s prohibition, culminating with the current state-by-state patchwork of legislation. Learning about the history of this plant sets the stage for why cannabis belongs in the health practitioner’s toolbox.

Faculty:
Robert Hoban, JD
Managing Partner, Hoban Feola

Module 2: Where It All Began: The Ancient History of Cannabis

The medicinal use of cannabis began over 5000 years ago with Himalayan vedic traditions as an integral facet of yoga. Knowing this true genesis of medicinal cannabis from the spirit-based vedic medicine to the energy-based ayurvedic medicine provides a deeper sense of its value, credibility & authenticity as one of the most highly-revered medicinal herbs.

Faculty:
Prashanti de Jager
Yogi, Educator + Ethnopharmacologist

Module 3: The Endocannabinoid System: A Primer

Understanding how & why cannabis works means first grasping the fundamentals of the endocannabinoid system, or ECS. Get ready for a review of the CB1 & CB2 receptors, the two best known endogenous ligands (anadamide & 2-AG) plus an overview of their downstream effects on the immune system, the hormone axis, pain, sleep, cancer & the major organ systems.

Faculty:
Lex Pelger
Scientist, Educator + Host, Psymposia

Module 4: Quality Control of Cannabis-Based Medicines

A walk through the historic Standards of Identity, Analysis and Quality Control Cannabis Monograph of the American Herbal Pharmacopoeia. Referenced by numerous states with medical marijuana laws, the monograph provides cannabis stakeholders including growers, analytical labs & practitioners with the information needed to guide clients about what constitutes a quality cannabis-based medicine.

Faculty:
Roy Upton
Executive Director, American Herbal Pharmacopoeia

Module 5: The Ayurvedic + Vedic Constituents of Cannabis

Historically, medicinal treatments found in India have often included cannabis for physical and spiritual healing but also to maintain wellness. This module looks at cannabis through the energetic lens of Ayurveda and vedic healing practices vs the Western, allopathic model. Presented by an experienced Indian herbal healer and founder of Organic India products, this module provides a perspective often overlooked by Western medicine.

Faculty:
Prashanti de Jager
Yogi, Educator + Ethnopharmacologist

Track II – Beyond Basics: Practical Applications

Module 1: Physician Viewpoint: Managing Inflammatory Lifestyle Diseases

Diabetes, obesity, and other chronic inflammatory conditions are plaguing the nation. Learn how the use of industrial hemp cannabidiol (CBD) alters the journey toward wellness. With globalization and an internet connection, patient care is a click away. Adding telemedicine implemented by a multidisciplinary team to your clinical practice can provide your community with best-in-practice care.

Faculty:
Phillip Blair, MD
Medical Director, Pro Health Advisors

Module 2: The Many Ways to Consume: Cannabis Formats & Tools

Experience an analysis of cannabis delivery systems and tools available in today’s marketplace – smoking, vaporizing, tinctures, oils, dabs, waxes, edibles, sprays, transdermal patches and topicals. An overview of absorption mechanisms, label requirements and consumption guidelines for individualized best outcomes for clients’ specific health and wellness needs.

Faculty:
Martha Montemayor, CNC
Founder, Healthy Choices Unlimited

Module 3: Packaged Edibles: Making Informed Decisions

Cannabis-infused food products – known as edibles or medibles – require prerequisites before purchasing and consuming. With no national standardized labeling laws, product label information varies. Learn how to interpret package labeling for potency and safety to insure for optimal choice and experience.

Faculty:
Julie Dooley
Founder, Julie’s Natural Edibles

Module 4: The Healing Toolbox: Cannabis as a Key Player

A scientific overview of the top health conditions where cannabis has therapeutic value to fully understand how the plant constituents promote healing and positive outcomes. The American Herbal Pharmacopoeia’s Cannabis Therapeutic Compendium Monograph serves as the guide book and reference to understand how the endocannabinoid system and cannabis interact.

Faculty:
Roy Upton
Executive Director, American Herbal Pharmacopoeia

Module 5: The Backbone of the Cannabis Plant: Cannabinoids

Just as the human body produces endocannabinoids, so does the cannabis plant produce phytocannabinoids. Explore the medicinal value of the primary phytocannabinoids – cannabidiol (CBD) and tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) – the primary psychoactive plant component. Separate fact from fiction concerning the remarkable healing powers of CBD. And, focus on how to best to guide clients regarding CBD:THC ratios to create personalized healing regimens.

Faculty:
Martin Lee
Director, Project CBD

Module 6: Cannabis Terpenes + Herbal Synergy

Terpenes have been overshadowed by the focus on cannabinoids, but make no mistake: they are critically important for creating the entourage healing effects of cannabis. Lending fragrance in many plants such as lemons and lavender, terpenes are also responsible for the distinctive aroma of cannabis cultivars. You’ll appreciate why an integrative approach..cannabis + other healing herbs… can result in better patient outcomes.

Faculty:
Jonathan Treasure, MNIMH, MCPP
Medical Herbalist

Module 7: Personalizing Cannabis Doses: Less Is More

Learn how patients are counseled to include cannabis as part of personalized lifestyle medicine plus how others are advised to use less cannabis for optimal outcomes. More is not always better when it comes to medicating with anything including cannabis. Explore how cannabis can be titrated for an optimal, individualized amounts based on specific clients and their particular presentations. Understand the nuances of how less can be more for more effective healing.

Faculty:
Joe Cohen, DO
Osteopathic Physician

Track III – Digging Deeper: Cannabis as Medicine

Module 1: The Endocannabinoid System: Deep Dive

An advanced look at the endocannabinoid system, or ECS, covering the unique retrograde signaling in the brain, the known polymorphisms, the pharmokinetics, the gender differences + the modulators of the ECS. Building on the foundational ECS module in Track I, take a deep dive into the intricacies + nuances of this complex system.

Faculty:
Lex Pelger
Scientist, Educator + Host, Psymposia

Module 2: Clinical Endocannabinoid Deficiency & Endocannabinoid Tone

An endocannabinoid deficiency may characterize the origin of numerous pain syndromes plus other health-related symptoms. The hypothesis: all humans have an underlying endocannabinoid tone, which produces negative effects if deficient. Learn about the scientific research and clinical data behind this theory plus how to upregulate the endocannabinoid system.

Faculty:
Ethan Russo, MD
Medical Director, Phytecs

Module 3: Cannabis Pharmacokinetics: Considerations for Dose, Absorption & Bioavailability

While cannabis is a plant with diverse phytochemicals that work synergistically, solvent extracts of cannabis or preparations made from these extracts high in active cannabinoids are also available. These preparations can be more similar to concentrated, single-entity pharmaceutical drugs. Explore how the two most studied cannabinoids – THC and CBD – are metabolized by and affect the body via different routes of administration.

Faculty:
Kate Welch, PharmD
Founder, Delta Nine Solutions

Module 4: Treating the Spectrum of Mood Disorders: Stress, Anxiety & PTSD

It’s no secret that opioids are abused and SSRI are overused. Can cannabis come to the rescue? Delve into the science and practical application of cannabis in stress, anxiety and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), potentially reducing reliance on pharmaceuticals and eliminating unwanted side effects.

Faculty:
Michele Ross, PhD
Founder, IMPACT Network

Module 5: Insomnia: Integrating Cannabis for Optimal Sleep by Joanne Matson

Sleep, or lack thereof, is an increasing health issue which can often be effectively treated with the integration of cannabis. A holistic review of the numerous factors and variables with regard to sleep and insomnia will be discussed, exploring integrative approaches to a more restful, rejuvenating, and healthful sleep.

Faculty:

Joanne Matson
Founder, Canna-Veda

Module 5: Insomnia: Cannabis as an Option - Part 2

Sleep, or lack thereof, is an increasing health issue which can often be effectively treated with the integration of cannabis. A holistic review of the numerous factors and variables with regard to sleep and insomnia will be discussed, exploring integrative approaches to a more restful, rejuvenating, and healthful sleep.

Faculty:

Rob Streisfeld, ND
Founder, Concierge for Better Living

Module 6: Pain Exposed! The Functional Approach to Relief, Rehabilitation & Resolution

Pain management is the number #1 reason individuals medicate with cannabis. Similar to cannabis + cannabinoids, some therapies provide more than just pain relief. Take a peek behind the scenes of cracking + hacking the pain code.

Faculty:
Rachel Knox, MD
Co-founder of TheCannaMDs and The American Cannabinoid Clinics

Module 7: Aromatherapy: Terpenes Overlaying with Cannabis

Aromatherapy is all about the science of terpene, or terpenoids. Responsible for the sativa and indica-like effects of cannabis, terpenes are key components of plants as diverse as pine, mandarin, and clary sage. Expand your knowledge of plant medicine and learn how to integrate aromatherapy into your holistic practice.

Faculty:
Jessica Baker, Lac, Dipl OM, RH
Acupuncturist + Founder, Jade Dragon

Module 8: Cannabis Advance Healing: Learning to Breathe

The Whole-Body Breathing program is designed to help people tune-in to listen to their bodies. We walk, talk, and breathe ourselves into existence each day. Every breath counts. Learn how to transform breath into a healing tool. Practice creates presence!

Faculty:
Anna Coy
Founder, Inspiring Your Life

Module 9: The Integration of Yoga & Meditation with Cannabis

Yogic breathing, stretching, and meditation can all be enhanced with the appropriate use of cannabis. Learn how to use the plant for pain management, stress reduction, overall wellness, and spiritual enlightenment.

Faculty:
Dee Dussault
Certified Yoga Instructor

Module 10: The Interplay of Acupuncture, Herbal Medicine & Cannabis

As an ancient healing art, Chinese medicine has been practiced continuously for over 5000 years. The subtle energetics of yin yang and meridian flow are vaguely known to many, but not tangible for practical application. Get familiar with the 8 principles and the 5 elements of Chinese herbalism to start on your Eastern medicine journey to incorporate into clinical practice.

Faculty:
Jessica Baker, Lac, Dipl OM, RH
Acupuncturist + Founder, Jade Dragon

Module 11: Modulating Women’s Health with an Ancient Plant

Our endocannabinoid levels are tied closely to estrogen levels, and when they dip, women feel the effects of endocannabinoid deficiency. Learn how cannabinoid supplementation along with other botanicals can stabilize mood, reduce pelvic pain, improve cognition and even offset the symptoms of menopause.

Faculty:
Michele Ross, PhD
Founder, IMPACT Network

Module 12: The Cancer Frontier: Managing Symptoms & More

An overview of cannabis for symptom management related to mainstream cancer treatments, including medication interactions plus emerging science about cancer inhibition by cannabinoids. Learn about framing cannabis in cancer management in the context of evidence, appropriate usage scenarios, and suggested protocols for incorporating cannabis as an anticancer agent will be covered, along with an overview of combination botanical strategies for cancer care.

Faculty:
Jonathan Treasure, MNIMH, MCPP
Medical Herbalist

Module 13: Food as Medicine: An Integrative Approach to Diet + Cannabis

Understanding the influence of diet in disease and healing is at the cornerstone of progressive, integrative medicine. This module delivers key principles of how nutrients influence cell health and how cannabis can play a synergistic role in disease prevention and recovery. Yes, cannabis and food are medicine!

Faculty:
Laura Lagano, MS, RDN, CDN
Integrative Clinical Nutritionist, Laura Lagano Nutrition

Module 14: Exit Herb from Addiction

Opioid addiction is at crisis level in the US and around the world. Progressive practitioners and patients alike are lobbying for cannabis is as first-line therapy for opioid, alcohol, and other substance rehabilitation. Understand the conditions and situations where cannabis is and is not appropriate as an exit tool.

Faculty:
Mary Lynn Mathre, RN, MSN, CARN

Track IV – Ready for Clients: Making It Happen!

Module 1: Building Your Cannabis Community Network

Wondering how to effectively implement a new paradigm in your practice and set yourself apart? Learn how to create and implement a collaborative network in your community, involving the medical dispensary, physicians and allied professionals. Gain real world advice on how to engage key stakeholders in your community and build your network for client referrals.

Faculty:
Leah Heise, JD
CEO, Women Grow

Regina Nelson, PhD
CEO, My eCS Therapy
Co-Founder, CPN Institute

Module 2: The Real World of Cannabis Practitioners: Clinical Successes & Challenges

Learn best practices and challenges from experienced clinicians who have successfully merged medical marijuana into functional medicine practices. How to communicate with clients, managing their expectations and fears plus getting the word out about your cannabis competency will be explored. Guidance from experienced practitioners is invaluable!

Faculty:
Joseph Cohen, DO
Director, Holos Health

Deborah Malka, PhD, MD
Integrative Holistic Physician, CannabisPlus

Module 3: Marketing & Succeeding with Cannabis Competency

Get down to the nitty gritty + learn from those with established holistic-oriented cannabis consulting businesses. Hear first-hand how cannabis counseling can be added to an existing business or launched on its own. With clients ranging from those seeking wellness advice to patients with chronic illness, you’ll have the blueprint for starting out in this progressive healthcare.

Faculty:
Ezra Parzybok
Founder, The High End

Marcie Cooper, RN, MSN, AHN-BC
Founder, The Colorado Cannabis Nurses Association

Module 4: Turning Cannabis Advocacy into a Business-Building Tool

Passion and conviction are must-have traits when blazing new trails. Building your presence as a cannabis advocate can greatly enhance business outcomes. Learn how two medical marijuana advocates combine their professional expertise with cannabis advocacy for high impact results.

Faculty:
Tracy Ryan
Founder, CannaKids

Steph Sherer
Founder and Executive Director of Americans for Safe Access (ASA), Director of Innovations of the International Cannabis and Cannabinoid Institute, and founding member of the International Medical Cannabis Patients Coalition