AAFP: Marijuana and Cannabinoids: An Overview for Forensic Mental Health Professionals
4 Hours | 4 CEs
This on-demand professional training program on Marijuana and Cannabinoids: An Overview for Forensic Mental Health Professionals is presented by Shawn K. Acheson, PhD in partnership with the American Academy of Forensic Psychology (AAFP).
This program provides a broad overview of marijuana and related natural and synthetic cannabinoids. Topics to be covered include the history of their use and the evolution of THC content and synthetics; the basic pharmacology of how cannabinoids affect the brain and how they are processed by the body; and the cognitive, behavioral, and psychomimetic effects of cannabinoids. Participants also learn how this information relates to specific forensic matters such as criminal competence, mental state at the time of the offense, and mitigation at sentencing.
This program is intended for fellow psychologists of all levels of experience, particularly those working in criminal forensic contexts. Psychologists in private practice, as well as those working in state hospitals or state or federal prisons, may benefit from the material presented. However, various other professionals, including psychiatrists, social workers, and counselors with experience or interest in forensic matters, may also gain valuable information.
b>Program Outline:
Brief History of Cannabis and Cannabinoids
- Crime and Use statistics
- Changes in potency and the designer craze
- The evolution of delta-9 alternatives (e.g., CBD, Delat-8, Delta-10)
- Structure and function
- Drug detection and clinical laboratory findings
- Acute Intoxication, Chronic Use, & Withdrawal
Forensic Applications
- Criminal Competencies
- Mental State
- Mitigation
Intended Audience
This on-demand professional training program is intended for mental health and other allied professionals
Experience Level
This on-demand professional training program is appropriate for beginner, intermediate, and advanced level clinicians.
CE / CPD Credit
APA, ASWB, CPA, NBCC Click here for state and other regional board approvals.
Learning Objectives
Upon completion of this program you will be able to:
Describe the history of cannabinoid use and the evolution of the types and potency of cannabinoids
Describe the basic pharmacology of cannabinoids and their cognitive, behavioral, and psychotomimetic effects
Describe information to various forensic concerns, including criminal competencies, mental states at the time of the offense, and mitigation
Presented By
Shawn Acheson, PhD
Dr. Acheson earned his doctorate in Clinical Psychology from Southern Illinois University in Carbondale, IL in 1997. He completed specialized training in clinical neuropsychology during his pre-doctoral internship and post-doctoral fellowship in the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences a...
Curriculum
1. Program Introduction
2. Cannabis Use: History, Legal Status, Patterns, and Evolving Perceptions
3. Foundations of Pharmacology: Pharmacokinetics, Tolerance, Withdrawal, and Dependence
4. Cannabis Effects: Cognitive, Behavioral, and Psychotomimesis; Links to Crime and Violence
5. Forensic Applications and Final Insights
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CE Credit
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Convenience & Flexibility
Learn at your own pace, from wherever you might be!
Program Partner
American Academy of Forensic Psychology (AAFP)
We are proud to partner with the American Academy of Forensic Psychology (AAFP) for this training. AAFP is a non-profit organization of board-certified forensic psychologists whose mission is to contribute to the development and maintenance of forensic psychology as a specialized field of study, research, and practice. The Academy does this by providing high-quality continuing education workshops, providing a forum for the exchange of scientific information among its members, and conferring awards upon outstanding students and practitioners in the field of forensic psychology.
