Summary
Recreational cannabis became legal in Canada in October 2018. Most recently, edibles were introduced, adding
to the
market of oils and combustibles. Consumption is associated with poor oral health, increased risk of oral
changes and
periodontal conditions, mouth and neck cancers, as well as the risk of opportunistic infections. Aside from
the
physical health effects, cannabis is also associated with addiction and other mental health complications
and
comorbidities, as well as occupational consequences. This session will focus on the risk-benefit profile for
medically authorized cannabis and will provide a practical approach to treating cannabis use disorder in the
dental
setting.
Presenter
![Charl Els, MBChB, FCPsych[SA], MMedPsych, DipABAM, MROCC](//files.cdha.ca/images/Education/CharlEls.jpg)
Charl Els, MBChB, FCPsych[SA], MMedPsych, DipABAM, MROCC
Dr. Charl Els is a fellowship-trained psychiatrist, addiction specialist, and occupational
physician. He is
a clinical professor of psychiatry and medicine at the University of Alberta. Charl has authored
several
peer-reviewed publications in the field of addiction. He serves on the board of directors of
Doctors Against
Forced Organ Harvesting and was the 2019 recipient of the Mother Teresa Memorial Award for
Social Justice.
Learning Outcomes
After the webinar, participants will be able to:
- Describe effects and risks of cannabis use
- Outline the indications and contra-indications for cannabis use for medical purposes
- Appreciate the impact of consumption on capacity to consent to dental care
- Conduct screening, brief intervention, and referral for treatment