Cannabis is the most widely used illicit substance worldwide, with significant implications for clinical practice as well as public health. This comprehensive primer certificate module equips healthcare professionals and interested learners with evidence-based knowledge and practical skills to understand, recognize, assess, and manage Cannabis Use Disorder across diverse healthcare settings. The module incorporates recent research findings and emphasizes clinical applications, addressing both the challenges and opportunities in current cannabis treatment approaches.
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Completing this primer requires dedicated time, undivided attention, and concentrated reading. These modules assume foundational knowledge in the subject area and build on existing clinical understanding. Please ensure you are prepared and review the information below before enrolment
🔍 Quiz Monitoring Enabled:
The quiz is monitored using ProctoPress 🔐 – Exam Proctoring for LMS. Webcam, microphone, and screen activity are recorded during the attempt.
The Primer on Cannabis Use Disorder, developed by the Centre for Addiction Medicine, NIMHANS, is supported through an independent educational grant from RusanMed (26-28). All course content, academic quality, and peer review are solely by NIMHANS faculty and experts
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📝 Instructional Design 📝
Before going further to the module, please review the details about Accreditation for this Certificate Module.
| Certificate Module name | Primer on Cannabis Use Disorder |
| Learning Level | Basic |
| Target Audience | Best suited for healthcare providers (psychiatrists, medical doctors, psychologists, counselors, nurses, educators). Learners who have no clinical experience or are not in a clinical position may find that the module material is not tailored to them |
| Module Aim | To introduce healthcare professionals to evidence-based knowledge and basic skills for recognizing, assessing, and managing Cannabis Use Disorder |
| Module objectives (Knowledge-Based) | Describe the taxonomy, active compounds, and various traditional and modern preparations of cannabis. Explain the neurobiological mechanisms underlying the psychoactive and addictive effects of cannabis Summarize the global and Indian epidemiological trends, sociocultural determinants, and evolving legal context related to cannabis use. Differentiate between DSM-5 and ICD-11 diagnostic criteria for Cannabis Use Disorder (CUD), including patterns of harmful use, dependence, intoxication, and withdrawal. Identify the cognitive, psychological, and physical health consequences associated with acute and chronic cannabis use. |
| Module objectives (Skill-Based) | Conduct a comprehensive clinical assessment of cannabis use, including history-taking, standardized screening (e.g., CUDIT-R, CAST), and biological testing. Recognize clinical presentations of cannabis intoxication, withdrawal syndromes, cannabis-induced psychosis, and comorbid conditions. Explore evidence-based psychosocial interventions i.e. MI, CBTin treating CUD. Select and utilize appropriate pharmacological strategies to manage Cannabis use disorder (as a registgered medical practitioner) |
| What this module cannot provide | This provides foundational knowledge and basic clinical skills but cannot replace hands-on clinical experience or specialized training needed for managing patients in a clincial settings or cases with severe comorbidities. The module also cannot address all region-specific regulatory frameworks or emerging cannabis products. This is not a course but a professional development module. |
| Design | Three Lessons Each lesson has 3-4 topics and one quiz Each Topic include a “written description,” along with “didactic presentation,” or a “recorded video,” and “engaging questions“ One needs to complete each lesson and topic and successfully pass the quiz (>80% score) to go to the next lesson. |
| Duration | 6-8 hrs To be completed within one month of enrollment |
| Professional Development Certificate | On completion of all lessons, topics, and quizzes successfully (>80% score), you can download an “e-certificate of Achievement” with score. |
| Suggested Citation | NIMHANS eLearning, Centre for Addiction Medicine, and NIMHANS Digital Academy. Primer on Relapse Prevention in SUD, Bangalore, India. Available from https://nimhanselearning.org/courses/primer-on-cannabis-use-disorder/ |
| Copyright Information | This license requires that reusers give credit to the creator. It allows reusers to copy and distribute the material in any medium or format in unadapted form only, for non-commercial purpose only. Primer on Relapse Prevention© 2024 by Virtual Knowledge Network, Centre for Addiction Medicine & NIMHANS Digital Academy is licensed under CC BY-NC-SA 4.0     |
| First Edition 1.0 release | May 2025 |
| FAQs | 1. Recognition status: This is a professional development certification online module from the Centre for Addiction Medicine & NIMHANS Digital Academy and NOT an accredited Course. 2. Certificate of Completion: Completion of all Quiz (for lessons 1,2,3) with score >80%. One can avail of three attempts to complete. You can download the “e-Certificate of Completion.” after successful completion |
| Generative AI tools were used in the preparation of this content. All materials have been reviewed and validated by subject matter experts before inclusion. | Designed and Developed at VKN Centre for Addiction Medicine NIMHANS About us |
| Connect us | vk*@********ns.in |
This module is part of NIMHANS’ mission to build national capacity in evidence-based addiction treatment
Learning Expectations
Understanding the scope and limitations of this primer
What This Primer IS
- Comprehensive foundation in cannabis taxonomy, neurobiology, and epidemiology
- Recognizing DSM-5 and ICD-11 diagnostic criteria for Cannabis Use Disorder
- Introduction to clinical assessment tools (CUDIT-R, CAST) and screening methods
- Overview of evidence-based psychosocial interventions (MI, CBT) for Cannabis use disorder
- Basic pharmacological management strategies for registered practitioners
- Self-paced learning with professional development certification
What This Primer IS NOT
- Hands-on clinical experience or supervised patient management
- A substitute for specialized training in severe comorbidity management
- Comprehensive coverage of all region-specific regulatory frameworks
- Training for managing emerging cannabis products and novel preparations
- An accredited medical course or formal clinical certification program
- Sufficient for independent management of complex cannabis use disorders
🌿 Key Reminder: This primer provides foundational knowledge and basic clinical skills but cannot replace hands-on clinical experience or specialized training needed for managing patients with severe comorbidities in clinical settings. Additional supervised practice and continuing education are essential for clinical proficiency.
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Step 4: Done. Access the module
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Certification of Completion
acknowledgement
The development of this Primer on Cannabis Use Disorder has been supported by an educational grant from RusanMed (an initiative of Rusan Pharma Ltd., Mumbai) 2026-28. This grant is provided solely for educational purposes, with no influence on content, curriculum, or clinical recommendations. NIMHANS retains full academic and editorial independence. The Centre for Addiction Medicine, NIMHANS, gratefully acknowledges this support in advancing capacity building among healthcare providers in the understanding and management of addictive disorders.
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The complex nature of cannabis use disorder was described in a very simple and easily understandable way. The chemistry part was very interesting as the intervention methods discussed. NIMHANS virtual learning platform is one of the best in all digital learning platform available not only in india but all over the world. I am sincerely looking forward to learn many more from here.
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The course looks comprehensive and covers most of the important aspects of cannabis use disorders from neurobiology to integrated treatment management. Cannabis and psychosis was also covered in good detail.I loved completing the course and the team is also very helpful when a query is raised. Thanks.