Specialist Courses: Pain

Designed for specialist prescribers and clinicians, this advanced module delves into the clinical application of medical cannabis for complex pain management.

You will explore the neurobiology of the Endocannabinoid System in nociception and critically appraise the evidence base—ranging from systematic reviews to emerging Real-World Data (RWD). The course provides specific, evidence-based prescribing protocols for neuropathic, nociplastic, and palliative pain conditions.

What will you learn?

By the end of this course you will be able to:

Explain the mechanisms by which cannabinoids and terpenes modulate pain pathways via the Endocannabinoid System (ECS).
Critically appraise the conflicting evidence base, including systematic reviews and Phase 3 RCT data (VER-01).
Differentiate between pain phenotypes (nociceptive, neuropathic, nociplastic) to select appropriate ratios and formulations.
Apply specific prescribing protocols for chronic non-cancer pain, fibromyalgia, and cancer pain.
Manage titration strategies, safety thresholds, and regulatory compliance.

Who is this for?

Specialist Prescribers (Pain, Palliative, Neurology, Rheumatology)
General Practitioners with a special interest in pain
Clinical Pharmacists
Nurses specializing in chronic care

What’s included?

Deep dives into chronic, neuropathic, and cancer pain.
Analysis of the latest Phase 3 RCTs and UK Medical Cannabis Registry data.
Interactive diagrams of pain signalling pathways.
Downloadable prescribing reference cards (Titration & Formulations).
Final knowledge check and certificate of completion

Lessons in this course

Overview of Medical Cannabis for Pain

Establish the context for medical cannabis in pain management. Explore the global burden of chronic pain, the limitations of conventional therapies, and the biological rationale for targeting the Endocannabinoid System.

The Burden of Chronic Pain

Limitations of Conventional Therapy

Biology of Pain & The ECS

Overview of the Evidence Landscape

Chronic Pain

Take a deep dive into the general evidence base for chronic pain. Critically appraise major systematic reviews alongside real-world data from the UK Medical Cannabis Registry to understand efficacy and safety.

Pathophysiology of Chronic Pain

Critical Appraisal of Systematic Reviews

The Opioid Sparing Effect

UK Medical Cannabis Registry Outcomes

Chronic Non-Cancer Pain

Focus on nociceptive and primary pain disorders. Examine new, high-quality Phase 3 trial data (VER-01) comparing medical cannabis to opioids, and explore the challenges of implementation.

Nociceptive vs. Nociplastic Pain

Phase 3 RCT Evidence (VER-01)

Medical Cannabis vs. Opioids: Head-to-Head

Real-World Evidence & Challenges

Neuropathic Pain

Explore pain caused by lesions or disease of the nervous system. Understand the specific mechanisms of cannabinoids on nerve transmission and review outcomes for conditions like MS and diabetic neuropathy.

Mechanisms: TRPV1 & Signal Modulation

Subgroup Analysis from Phase 3 Trials

Specific Conditions: MS & Diabetic Neuropathy

Chemotherapy-Induced Peripheral Neuropathy (CIPN)

Fibromyalgia

Examine medical cannabis for nociplastic pain and central sensitisation. Understand the complex symptom clusters—including fatigue and sleep—and why this patient group requires a modified safety approach.

Central Sensitisation & The ECS

Evidence for Pain, Fatigue & Sleep

Safety Profile: Heightened Sensitivity

Managing Patient Expectations

Cancer Pain

Understand the unique pathophysiology of cancer pain as a "constant acute" state. Explore the role of medical cannabis in palliative care for managing symptom clusters including anxiety, appetite, and sleep.

The “Constant Acute Pain” Paradigm

Symptom Clusters in Palliative Care

Conflicting Evidence: RCTs vs. Real-World Data

Clinical Management & Licensed Products

Prescribing for Pain

Translate evidence into practice. Master the "start low, go slow" principles, learn to select between oils, flower, and pastilles, and apply structured titration protocols for different patient profiles.

Formulation Strategy: Oils vs. Inhaled

Dosing & Titration Protocols

Prescribing Pastilles & Dried Flower

Safety, Contraindications & Driving

Other available modules

Alongside this course, the Foundations of Medical Cannabis pathway includes additional courses that expand on history, biology, and clinical practice. Each is short, [[CPD_ACCREDITED_COMMA]]and designed to build confidence step by step.

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Free

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Specialist Modules: Targeted Prescriber Information Neurological Conditions module

Learn the basics of medical cannabis and its applications in clinical practice.

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Lesson Content

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The Unmet Need & The ECS

Licensed Therapies: The Strongest Evidence

Epilepsy: Beyond the License

Specialist Courses: Pain

What will you learn?

Who is this for?

What’s included?

Lessons in this course

Overview of Medical Cannabis for Pain

Chronic Pain

Chronic Non-Cancer Pain

Neuropathic Pain

Fibromyalgia

Cancer Pain

Prescribing for Pain

Other available modules

Current Status

Price

Get Started

Specialist Modules: Targeted Prescriber Information Neurological Conditions module

Course Content

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Price

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Specialist Courses Psychiatric conditions e-learning module

Course Content

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Price

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