In HHS Region 8 (Colorado, Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota, Utah, and Wyoming) the prevalence of cannabis use and cannabis use disorders are on the rise. Certainly, these increases in cannabis use and use related disorders are worrisome and have implications for both health and behavioral health providers.

While cannabis use is generally higher in metropolitan areas, a recent study by Moore and colleagues (2021) found that individuals residing in small metropolitan and non-metropolitan areas reported higher frequent use of cannabis (use of cannabis 100 days +) especially among individuals without health insurance. This data point is important as significant portions of the states in Region 8 are designated as rural or remote (non-metropolitan). Adding to the complexity of healthcare and related decision-making, several states in the region have approved legislation that allows cannabis use for medical and/or recreational purposes.

As such, the Mountain Plains ATTC in partnership with the SAMHSA Region 8 Administrator put together a panel of experts to discuss cannabis use and cannabis use disorders, challenges related to medical marijuana (North Dakota and Utah); increases in cannabis (THC) potency; increases in treatment seeking for cannabis use; implications for emergency departments regarding individuals presenting due to cannabis use; as well as other issues related to cannabis. The panel will be moderated by Dr. Charlie Smith (SAMHSA Region 8 Administrator) and include panel members: Dr. Roneet Lev; Dr. Alan Budney; and Dr. Aaron Norton. Panel members will be available throughout the webinar to answer questions from participants.

This webinar is part of a series on the current science of cannabis, for more information on the other webinars in the series view the series homepage.