The ColoradoSPH Cannabis Education, Research, and Policy Project, Department of Psychiatry, and Rocky Mountain Cannabis Research Center present a 5-part educational lecture series on cannabis in modern times. Our second event in this series features Dr. Kent Hutchison, professor of psychology and neuroscience at the University of Colorado in Boulder and the Founder of the Center for Research and Education Addressing Cannabis and Health (CU REACH).

Cannabis Use in Older Adults: Implications for Cognitive, Physical, and Mental Health

Join us for a virtual discussion with Dr. Kent Hutchison as he examines the increasing use of cannabis among older adults, raising important questions about the impact of cannabinoids on health in this population. This seminar will review current evidence on cannabis use in later life, including its impact on cognition, chronic disease management, and polypharmacy. Healthcare providers will gain practical strategies for screening, counseling, and tailoring treatment approaches to support older patients who use cannabis.

The Colorado Cannabis Education, Research & Policy Project (CO-CERP) team is comprised of researchers and educators from the Colorado School of Public Health and the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus. Through the CO-CERP, we explore how cannabis affects health, develop and share policy insights, and work to ensure Coloradans stay informed with clear, evidence-based information through active outreach and public awareness.

For more information about the project and future events, please visit our website.

This virtual series is open to the public and has been designed for healthcare providers in Colorado. 

The University of Colorado School of Medicine is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME) to provide continuing medical education for physicians. The University of Colorado School of Medicine designates this live activity for a maximum of 4 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit(s)™. Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.

Learning Objectives: 
1. Describe the current evidence on cannabis availability, use, and risk of harms, and the potential impact of these policies for clinical practice.
2. Explain the mechanisms by which cannabis and its constituents (e.g., THC, CBD) impact brain development, mental health, and physical health outcomes.
3. Identify age-specific patterns, risk factors, and protective factors related to cannabis use in adolescents/ young adults, perinatal populations, adults, and older adults.
4. Identify emerging evidence on the effects of cannabis use in the context of implications for clinical practice, especially screening, brief counseling, and referrals.