Cannabis can be confusing: the different names, routes of administration, physiological effects, and legal aspects. This course will address all of these topics with a focus on implications for physical and occupational therapy.
Live Webinar
Tue, Apr 7, 2026 at 7:00 pm EDTUnder Review: AOTA/0.2 - Application has been made to the American Occupational Therapy Association's (AOTA's) Approved Provider Program.
Learning Outcomes
- After this course, participants will be able to identify the various parts of the cannabis plant.
- After this course, participants will be able to describe routes of administration, the mechanism of action, and the side effects of cannabis.
- After this course, participants will be able to describe the implications of cannabis for physical and occupational therapy.
Agenda
| 0-5 Minutes | Introduction, Review of Learning Outcomes |
| 5-15 Minutes | Various parts of the cannabis plant |
| 15-30 Minutes | Legal aspects of cannabis |
| 30-45 Minutes | Endocannabinoid system |
| 45-60 Minutes | Routes of administration |
| 60-75 Minutes | Mechanism of action |
| 75-90 Minutes | Side effects |
| 90-115 Minutes | Implications for therapy, including a case study |
| 115-120 Minutes | Summary; Q&A |
Presented By
Melissa Bednarek
PT, DPT, PhD, CCS
Melissa Bednarek received a Master of Physical Therapy from MCP Hahnemann University, a PhD in Physiology from Virginia Commonwealth University, and a transitional Doctor of Physical Therapy from Chatham University. She has been a Board-Certified Clinical Specialist in Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Physical Therapy since 2014. In 2009, she joined the Doctor of Physical Therapy Program faculty at Chatham University in Pittsburgh, PA, where she is currently Professor and Program Director. Dr. Bednarek teaches clinical physiology, cardiovascular and pulmonary physical therapy, and the pharmacology thread in the curriculum. She has clinical experience in acute care, home health, and outpatient pulmonary rehabilitation. Her research interests include interprofessional education, high-fidelity simulation, and patients with pulmonary disease.
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Financial disclosures: The presenter received an honorarium for this course. She is also a presenter with MedBridge and a faculty member for APTA Advanced Competency in Home Health.
Non-financial disclosures: The presenter has no non-financial disclosures.
Sponsor Disclosure: This Course is presented by OccupationalTherapy.com, a Continued site.
Content Disclosure: This learning event does not focus exclusively on any specific product or service.
Course participation information
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