Title : Pediatric brain on cannabinoids: Adverse effects of cannabinoid products in children and adolescents
Abstract:
Cannabinoids (phytocannabinoids and synthetic cannabinoids) are most often used during adolescence and given the changing norms, enhanced potency, reduced societal perceptions of risk and multitude of forms of products for consumption, clinicians need to become more cognizant of cannabinoid products and their effects. The aim of this presentation is to briefly discuss the above, acute toxicities and a few chronic toxicities associated with cannabinoids that clinicians are likely to treat. In addition, cannabinoid toxicokinetics and toxicodynamics as it pertains to the clinical effects will be discussed as well as the route of exposure and the clinical implications for therapeutics and research. Although the neurodevelopmental effects of naturally occurring endocannabinoids will be briefly mentioned, it is beyond the scope of this presentation to discuss in detail. Regardless, clinicians, researchers, parents and patients should be aware of the potential implications that exogenous cannabinoids (cannabis) may have in altering the normative trajectory of brain maturation in pediatric patients.
Audience Take Away Notes:
- The audience will briefly learn about the three types of Cannabinoids: endocannabinoids, phytocannabinoids, and synthetic cannabinoids and their medical importance/implications.
- Attendee’s knowledge regarding the following will be enhanced: Cannabis use is increasing, long-standing, and major driving forces in socioeconomics and legislative changes are generating cheaper, legally available, and of greater potency (botanical or synthetic) perhaps under the guise of falsely reassuring perception in lack of harm.
- Acute and chronic toxicity of botanically derived or synthetic cannabinoids in derivation will be discussed as well as medical management.
- Areas of excellent research in cannabinoids are lacking, and urgently needed, and human findings and effects likely subtle and difficult to quantify.
