Medicinal Cannabis - Diabetes, Glaucoma and Hypertension

"Medicinal Cannabis: Diabetes, Glaucoma, and Hypertension" is an in-depth course that examines the role of cannabinoids in managing chronic conditions. This course provides a scientific framework for understanding the pharmacology of cannabis and its applications in improving patient outcomes. Participants will gain insights into the adjunctive use of cannabinoids alongside conventional therapies.

Unit 1: Diabetes, Glaucoma, and Hypertension
This foundational unit provides an overview of diabetes (type 1 and type 2), glaucoma, and hypertension. Key topics include:
- The pathophysiology and prevalence of these conditions.
- Their shared comorbidities and the impact on overall health.
- Conventional management strategies, including pharmacological and lifestyle interventions.
- The challenges posed by vision impairment, neuropathy, and cardiovascular complications.

Unit 2: Prevention and Treatment
This unit emphasises the importance of prevention and comprehensive treatment strategies:
- Lifestyle interventions such as hypocaloric diets (e.g., the Mediterranean diet) and physical activity to enhance insulin sensitivity and cardiovascular health.
- An overview of pharmacological treatments for diabetes and hypertension, including insulin sensitisers, GLP-1 receptor agonists, and antihypertensive drugs.
- The interconnected role of metabolic syndrome, obesity, and diabetes in exacerbating cardiovascular risks.

Unit 3: The Pharmacology of Cannabis
A deep dive into the pharmacological properties of cannabinoids:
- The endocannabinoid system and its role in metabolic regulation, immune modulation, and pain management.
- The specific properties and clinical applications of major cannabinoids like THC, CBD, and THCV.
- Evidence from preclinical and clinical studies on the use of cannabinoids in managing diabetes, glaucoma, and hypertension.
- Challenges in cannabinoid therapy, including dosage optimisation, solubility issues, and potential side effects.

Unit 4: Cannabis in Diabetes Treatment
Focused on case-based applications of medicinal cannabis:
- How cannabinoids such as THC and CBD can alleviate diabetes-related symptoms like neuropathic pain, restless legs syndrome, and vascular complications.
- Detailed case studies demonstrating reductions in pain, blood pressure, and medication dependency with adjunctive cannabis therapy.
- Insights into the potential weight loss benefits and metabolic improvements associated with cannabinoid use.
- Guidelines for monitoring patient outcomes and integrating cannabis into a broader treatment plan.

This course combines evidence-based research, clinical examples, and practical strategies to empower healthcare professionals in using medicinal cannabis as a safe and effective adjunct therapy. It is designed to ensure learners are equipped with the knowledge to support their patients responsibly while advancing their practice.