Episode 34: The ABCs of THC

This talk will focus on describing the theory and research supporting the use of brief alcohol interventions with young adults.  Dr. Pedersen will discuss how brief interventions have been successful in preventing the escalation of heavy drinking patterns in young adult groups, with a particular emphasis on college student drinking. He will describe several components of these interventions, such as personalized normative feedback and protective behavioral strategies, and discuss how these components have been used outside of in-person formats to reach young adults using online and mobile phone based programs. Lastly, he will present data demonstrating the unique risks associated with the popular drinking practice known as “pregaming,” where young people drink heavily within brief periods of time, and share details about a randomized controlled trial of an online intervention aimed at preventing heavy pregaming behavior among college students. Objectives: 1. Identity evidence-based research for brief alcohol interventions for young adults. 2. Explain the unique risks associated with “pregaming” drinking among young adults. 3. Describe key components of brief interventions with young adults and apply theoretical knowledge to design Speaker Names: Eric Pedersen Speaker Bios: Dr. Pedersen is an associate professor of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences in the Keck School of Medicine at the University of Southern California (USC). His research interests are primarily in the areas of young adult/adolescent alcohol use and co-occurring mental health disorders. Dr. Pedersen has received funding to develop brief, online interventions to reduce alcohol misuse among young adult populations such as college students and recently discharged veterans. He is interested in finding ways to target co-occurring Posttraumatic Stress Disorder and substance use disorders among young adults, as well as in using internet-based methods to help reduce alcohol misuse and promote treatment engagement among non-treatment-seeking young adults. He is an adjunct behavioral scientist at the RAND Corporation and is serving as the director of Project ALERT, which is a school-based drug prevention program for middle school youth developed at RAND. Dr. Pedersen received his Ph.D. in clinical psychology from the University of Washington in 2012. He joined the faculty at USC in 2020 after working full-time as a behavioral scientist at RAND from 2012 to 2020.

In a social ecosystem where nicotine and marijuana use rates continue to rise year after year, it's more important than ever for caregivers to understand addiction and what they can do to help protect, or to help, their children.  Join us for a deep dive into the mechanics of addiction: the biological and neurological underpinnings, the psychological cycles and routines, and the social pressures and changes that lock behavior into place.  Attendees will also learn about warning signs of youth addiction, how addictions affect the family unit as a whole, and strategies for caregivers to better connect with their children and help prevent the development or intensification of an addictive pattern. Presenter: Aaron Weiner, PhD, ABPP Aaron Weiner, PhD, ABPP is a board-certified Psychologist and addiction specialist, and speaks nationally on the topics of addiction, behavioral health, and the impact of drug policy on public health.   He earned his doctorate from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and completed his fellowship in Addiction Psychology at the VA Ann Arbor Healthcare System.  His perspective is informed by years of experience growing and directing addiction service lines for hospitals and healthcare systems, the current state of medical and psychological research, and his own observations in private practice.  He is a strong advocate for evidence-based care in treating chemical dependency and behavioral addictions, as well as a proponent of integrating behavioral health services into medical settings.  Dr. Weiner is a member of the Physician Speakers Bureau for the National Safety Council, the Science Advisory Board for Smart Approaches to Marijuana, and a former Board Member for the Society of Addiction Psychology.

Recent political changes in relation to marijuana are only part of the story. The publicized and politically charged world of drug policy has undergone immense changes over the past several years and those changes manifest not just in policy but also in the physical makeup of the cannabis plant. Not only has the perception of the plant changed, the actual plant itself has undergone dramatic changes as it has been industrialized and brought into a commercial market. As public opinion has softened towards cannabis the effects of consuming today’s marijuana remain poorly understood by many. With increasing acceptance, often driven by corporate interests, use has been rising steadily among all demographics. Many have grown up in settings where cannabis use is the norm and cannabis use disorder accepted as typical behavior.  Cannabis use disorder is on the rise and the changing makeup of the plant and its derivatives is making treatment more complex and challenging. Given these realities, the need for continuing education regarding the evolution of cannabis and new forms of consumption as well as potential downsides is extremely important. A more holistic understanding of today’s marijuana will position us to have more relevant and potentially helpful conversations with those we serve. This conversation will be had in a respectful and nonpolitical manor promoting sound science while considering the practical reality of discussing cannabis in 2021 with a population that genuinely believes “it’s just weed.” Learning Objectives: Participants will understand the difference between todays corporately produced marijuana and what grows naturally and has been consumed in the past. Participants will be able to identify current forms of THC consumption including edibles and vaporizers Participants will have an understanding of marijuana concentrates Participants will be able to relevantly discuss the science of today’s marijuana and the harms associated with it. Presenter: Ben Cort Ben’s passion for recovery, prevention and harm reduction comes from his own struggle with substance abuse. Sober since 6/15/96, Ben has been a part of the recovery movement in almost every way imaginable; from a recipient to a provider to a spokesperson Cort has a deep understanding of the issues and a personal motivation to see the harmful effects of drug and alcohol abuse minimized. From non-profits to hospitals to private programs Ben has been a leader inside of many forms of addiction treatment and prevention. From 2017-2020 Ben was a consultant to various treatment programs, state governments, professional and collegiate athletics and labor. He is now CEO of the Foundry Steamboat Springs, an inpatient treatment program for men in the mountains of Colorado. Ben is a Jr Fellow at the University of Florida inside of their drug policy institute, a board member for NALGAP (National Association of Lesbian, Gay Bisexual, Transgender treatment providers and their allies), a Board member at SAM (Smart Approaches to Marijuana) and faculty at numerous institutes. He is a published author (Weed Inc, Simon and Shuster 2017) and his TED talk “Surprising Truths about Legalizing Cannabis” has been viewed over 4 million times.

Delta 8 Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is the drug trend of 2021.  Retailers advertise Delta 8 THC products as a lighter version of marijuana, and they have popped up everywhere, from gas stations to CBD stores. Despite its rise in popularity, there are still many questions about Delta 8 THC, from its pharmacodynamics to its legality.  This presentation will cover the latest information on this emerging drug trend. Presenter: Nick Place, Police Officer/DRE Instructor Nick Place has spent 19 years in law enforcement in Northeast Wisconsin. He has been a Drug Recognition Expert (DRE) since 2004, he has multiple instructor certifications, and he is a Regional Coordinator for the Wisconsin DRE program. He has testified as an expert in impaired driving cases, mentored and trained new instructors, and he has won statewide awards as a “Top 10 DRE” and Outstanding Performance as a DRE. He has worked a variety of assignments throughout his career ranging from routine patrol to drug investigations, interdiction, SWAT, and K9 handler. He started Route 961 Training and Consultants to deliver drug training to law enforcement and the public.

Anxiety is something that everyone experiences. Sometimes, however, anxiety can be extreme and significantly impact the daily functioning of children and adolescents. This talk will help participants understand the nature of anxiety and offer many practical strategies that can be utilized at home and in school to aid kids with anxiety issues. Numerous case examples will be provided and there will be time for questions. Patric W. Mattek, Ph.D. is a licensed Psychologist in the State of Wisconsin. He has outpatient practices in Muskego and Oconomowoc. In addition, Dr. Mattek is the Clinical Lead Consultant for Walworth County Health and Human Services and a clinical consultant to a number of schools and mental health agencies. Dr. Mattek achieved his Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology from Northern Illinois University, his Master’s Degree in Psychology from Marquette University, and his Bachelor’s Degree from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. He has experience in a variety of settings including outpatient clinics, inpatient hospitals, the court system, community crisis response, and day treatment. Dr. Mattek is an expert in the treatment of anxiety disorders and Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). He is also a sport psychologist and member of the American Psychological Association’s Division 47: Exercise and Sport Psychology.

This presentation will help to clear up common misconceptions about marijuana, particularly among young people. As marijuana becomes legal in more states, it is easy for families to misinterpret this to mean that it is safe for their teens. This is not the case. Marijuana is more harmful to teens than adults, can increase the risk for progression to a more severe substance use problem, and can lead to withdrawal when stopped. This information is not getting conveyed enough to our youth in this era of growing cultural acceptance. Learning Objectives: Understand that marijuana is particularly harmful to the developing brain of a teen Learn why teens are more susceptible to a progression in their use by using marijuana Understand that withdrawal can be part of stopping marijuana use, contrary to popular belief Presenters: Matthew Quinn, MA, LCPC, CADC Matthew Quinn provides community relations for Rosecrance Health Network in the western suburbs of Chicago in Cook, DuPage, Kane, and Kendall counties. He is a member of the Coalition for Drug Free Lyons Township, Community Alliance for Prevention in Naperville, the Prevention Leadership Team in DuPage County, the Juvenile Justice Council in Kane County, and the Connect For Life program through the Naperville Police Department. He completed his Bachelor’s Degree in psychology at the University of Notre Dame and Master’s Degree in clinical psychology at the Illinois School of Professional Psychology.  Matthew is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC) and Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor (CADC) in Illinois. He was the program coordinator for the Adolescent Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) at Linden Oaks at Elmhurst for eight years prior to coming to Rosecrance. He was previously a therapeutic mentor for troubled teens and a member advocate for an employee assistance program (EAP) as well.  He has been counseling adolescents and adults in individual, couples, and family counseling for the past 15 years.

Although medical marijuana is legal in forty-two states, widespread confusion exists about what cannabinoids can and can’t do, as most medical professionals do not receive formal education about marijuana. Attendees receive updated information about the therapeutic benefits, risks, and limits of cannabis and cannabinoid products, as well as the political and economic factors that influence the medical marijuana market.  Attendees will leave with a holistic understanding of the construct, and a better ability to discuss medical marijuana with their clients. Learning Objectives: Attendees will learn at least three therapeutic uses for cannabinoid products Attendees will learn at least three risk factors of chronic marijuana use Attendees will be able to explain at least two marketing tactics currently used in the marijuana industry that appears to target recreational users Presenter: Aaron Weiner, PhD, ABPP Aaron Weiner, PhD, ABPP is a board-certified Psychologist and addiction specialist, and speaks nationally on the topics of addiction, behavioral health, and the impact of drug policy on public health.   He earned his doctorate from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and completed his fellowship in Addiction Psychology at the VA Ann Arbor Healthcare System.  His perspective is informed by years of experience growing and directing addiction service lines for hospitals and healthcare systems, the current state of medical and psychological research, and his own observations in private practice.  He is a strong advocate for evidence-based care in treating chemical dependency and behavioral addictions, as well as a proponent of integrating behavioral health services into medical settings.  Dr. Weiner is a member of the Physician Speakers Bureau for the National Safety Council, the Science Advisory Board for Smart Approaches to Marijuana, and a former Board Member for the Society of Addiction Psychology.

As employees experiment with contemporary cannabis products, Jo will explain the impact, the signs, and symptoms of use and what the science tells us about outcomes that will impact the workplace. She will give an overview of changing laws that affect the workplace, describing what this means for employers and share successful, strategic policy tips that will increase employer protections & productivity. Finally, Jo will explain how drug testing for marijuana REALLY works, while addressing the complex question of impairment, offering insights into how this issue can be successfully managed. Learning Objectives: Understand contemporary cannabis products, trends and effect on the user. Learn how drug testing works, separating fact from fiction. Take-away practical applications for the workplace drug & alcohol policy that will bring clarity to this cultural shift. Presenter: Jo McGuire Jo McGuire is a known advocate for safe and drug free workplaces, families and communities with over ten years of experience in the drug and alcohol testing industry. She was appointed to serve on the Taxation, Banking & Civil Law work-group for the Governor’s Task Force to regulate Amendment 64 in Colorado due to her expertise in the field of workplace drug and alcohol testing and represented the industry during the United Nations General Assembly on the World Drug Agreements. As a recognized subject matter expert, Jo is a highly requested national conference speaker, writer and public policy advisor.

Recent political changes in relation to marijuana are only part of the story. The publicized and politically charged world of drug policy has undergone immense changes over the past several years and those changes manifest not just in policy but also in the physical makeup of the cannabis plant. Not only has the perception of the plant changed, the actual plant itself has undergone dramatic changes as it has been industrialized and brought into a commercial market. As public opinion has softened towards cannabis the effects of consuming today’s marijuana remain poorly understood by many. With increasing acceptance, often driven by corporate interests, use has been rising steadily among all demographics. Many have grown up in settings where cannabis use is the norm and cannabis use disorder accepted as typical behavior.  Cannabis use disorder is on the rise and the changing makeup of the plant and its derivatives is making treatment more complex and challenging. Given these realities, the need for continuing education regarding the evolution of cannabis and new forms of consumption as well as potential downsides is extremely important. A more holistic understanding of today’s marijuana will position us to have more relevant and potentially helpful conversations with those we serve. This conversation will be had in a respectful and nonpolitical manor promoting sound science while considering the practical reality of discussing cannabis in 2021 with a population that genuinely believes “it’s just weed.” Learning Objectives: Participants will understand the difference between todays corporately produced marijuana and what grows naturally and has been consumed in the past. Participants will be able to identify current forms of THC consumption including edibles and vaporizers Participants will have an understanding of marijuana concentrates Participants will be able to relevantly discuss the science of today’s marijuana and the harms associated with it. Presenter: Ben Cort Ben’s passion for recovery, prevention and harm reduction comes from his own struggle with substance abuse. Sober since 6/15/96, Ben has been a part of the recovery movement in almost every way imaginable; from a recipient to a provider to a spokesperson Cort has a deep understanding of the issues and a personal motivation to see the harmful effects of drug and alcohol abuse minimized. From non-profits to hospitals to private programs Ben has been a leader inside of many forms of addiction treatment and prevention. From 2017-2020 Ben was a consultant to various treatment programs, state governments, professional and collegiate athletics and labor. He is now CEO of the Foundry Steamboat Springs, an inpatient treatment program for men in the mountains of Colorado. Ben is a Jr Fellow at the University of Florida inside of their drug policy institute, a board member for NALGAP (National Association of Lesbian, Gay Bisexual, Transgender treatment providers and their allies), a Board member at SAM (Smart Approaches to Marijuana) and faculty at numerous institutes. He is a published author (Weed Inc, Simon and Shuster 2017) and his TED talk “Surprising Truths about Legalizing Cannabis” has been viewed over 4 million times.

Marijuana has evolved from 5% THC joints in the 1960s to today's concentrates that can approach 99% THC. This presentation will cover the evolution of marijuana and give participants an understanding of marijuana products that are consumed by adolescents in the Midwest. By attending this presentation, participants will be "up to speed" on marijuana products and trends. Learning Objectives: Define marijuana terminology Introduction to marijuana concentrate production Identify end user marijuana products and their effects Presenter: Nick Place, Police Officer/DRE Instructor Nick Place has spent 19 years in law enforcement in Northeast Wisconsin. He has been a Drug Recognition Expert (DRE) since 2004, he has multiple instructor certifications, and he is a Regional Coordinator for the Wisconsin DRE program. He has testified as an expert in impaired driving cases, mentored and trained new instructors, and he has won statewide awards as a “Top 10 DRE” and Outstanding Performance as a DRE. He has worked a variety of assignments throughout his career ranging from routine patrol to drug investigations, interdiction, SWAT, and K9 handler. He started Route 961 Training and Consultants to deliver drug training to law enforcement and the public.