The Dangers of Marijuana and Mental Health Consequences

 The Marijuana Industry has disseminated a great deal of inaccurate misinformation on social media and throughout multiple media channels in our society on the safety of MJ use. At this point the general public believes MJ to be a safe and innocuous substance. Unfortunately, a multitude of facts prove this common assumption to be completely false, and these misinformation campaigns are detrimental to many individuals who use MJ, believing it to be safe, as it leads to many unfortunate and even catastrophic consequences for millions of users each year.

Consequently, Dr. Urschel’s goal in his presentation is to convey accurate, science-based information regarding MJ use in an easily understandable and enjoyable format, so that both clinicians and the general public can make better decisions related to MJ use in their personal, best interests based on this accurate information. He will discuss a variety of detrimental effects that MJ/THC use can have on different organ systems, especially the brain, but also cardiovascular system, immune system, and the fetus. Additionally, he will discuss MJ addiction and the research-based strategies found to treat it most effectively.

Because MJ/THC use is rarely used alone, Dr. Urschel will also discuss the latest scientific findings of our understanding of alcohol and drug addiction, as well as how to treat it most effectively for the long-term success of our patients.

Hopefully, by the end of this presentation, the attendee will be armed with the latest information on the dangers of THC/MJ and comfortable talking about this scientific evidence to their patients and their family members.

Objectives

•  Delineate the Dangers and Negative Consequences of Marijuana Use on multiple body organ systems by discussing findings from the latest scientific research in the field. 
•  Discuss the detrimental effects that MJ use, even intermittent use, can have on a variety of mental health conditions, including major depression, anxiety disorders and psychotic disorders. 
•  Clarify and discuss a variety of misinformation and false assumptions which perpetuate the notion that MJ is safe and not harmful. 
•  Better understand the neuroscientific conceptionalizations of alcohol and drug addiction and the combination of tools used to get the best long-term outcomes in the dual diagnosis patient population.
•  Allow the audience to participate in a question-and-answer session on the topic of the Dangers of MJ Use and Mental Health if time permits.  

About Dr. Harold C Urschel 

 Known as one of the foremost authorities on substance abuse and addiction in the country, Dr. Urschel is the author of the New York Times best seller, “Healing the Addicted Brain.” He is a coveted speaker on substance abuse and the latest opportunities to treat the chronic brain disease of addiction on both the local and national stage. 

As a Senior Consultant for one of the finest residential and outpatient treatment programs in the nation, Dr. Harold Urschel works with Enterhealth’s team of medical experts in the field of addiction, including its physicians, nurses, psychiatrists and licensed therapists, to implement the most advanced, science-based treatment protocols grounded in the latest NIH research, incorporating pharmacotherapy into client-centered treatment plans that address the psychological, spiritual and relational aspects  of addiction.

Recognized by industry publications, peers, national talk show hosts and even competitors for his comprehensive approach to treating addiction and his determination to educate families and industry cohorts, Dr. Urschel has spent more than 30 years in addiction psychiatry, neurology and research. He has held leadership roles with some of the top hospitals in Dallas/Ft. Worth including Baylor Health Care System, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center and St. Paul University Hospitals.

Dr. Urschel graduated from Princeton University for his undergraduate training and from The University of Texas Southwestern Medical School and the University of Pennsylvania for his graduate medical training. Dr. Urschel is currently certified in both addiction and general psychiatry by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology. He earned a Masters in Management Administration from the Stanford University Graduate School of Business.