From Bud To Brain: A Psychiatrist's View Of Marijuana

Item Information
Item#: 9781108735735
Edition 01
Author Cermak, Timmen L.
Cover Paperback
 


The trend toward liberalizing medical and recreational marijuana use is increasing the obligation on clinicians to provide useful information to the public. This book summarizes the science all healthcare professionals need to know in order to provide objective and relevant information to a variety of patients, from recreational and medicinal users to those who use regularly, and to adolescents and worried parents. The author brings two and a half decades of studying cannabinoid research, and over forty years' experience in psychiatric and addiction medicine practice, to shed light on the interaction between marijuana and the brain. Topics range from how marijuana produces pleasurable sensations, relaxation and novelty (the 'high'), to emerging medical uses, effects of regular use, addiction, and policy. Principles of motivational interviewing are outlined to help clinicians engage patients in meaningful, non-judgmental conversations about their experiences with marijuana. An invaluable guide for physicians, nurses, psychologists, therapists, and counsellors.

Short Description
An essential guide covering the scientific knowledge and communication skills required to deliver objective patient advice about marijuana use.

Table of Contents
Introduction; Part I. The Science of Marijuana and the Brain: 1. Monumental discoveries; 2. Marijuana's acute effects: from brain to experience; 3. Flies in the ointment: cannabinoid deficiency and the reality of addiction; 4. Epidemiology: how many, and who, use how much marijuana; 5. The impacts of ongoing marijuana use on the brain; 6. The impacts of ongoing marijuana use on the mind, part I: memory, executive functions, risk assessment and impulsivity; 7. The impacts of ongoing marijuana use on the mind, part II: emotion, motivation, psychosis and practical impacts; 8. The impacts of ongoing marijuana use on adolescent psychology: understanding the journey from childhood to adulthood; 9. Second hand marijuana: prenatal cannabis exposure; Part II. The Science and Art of Healing: 10. Cannabinoid-based medication; 11. Understanding and encouragement: compassion for cannabis use disorder sufferers; 12. Principles of motivational interviewing; 13. Treatment of regular heavy marijuana users; Part III. The History and Art of Marijuana Policy: 14. Policy, part I: sociopolitical history of marijuana and America's war on drugs; 15. Policy, part II: the post drug war era; Part IV. Epilogue: 16. The future of marijuana; Index.