2025 Cannabis Symposium

The Cannabis Symposium is a one-day series of web-based trainings on the ever changing landscape of cannabis, taking place December 4, 2025 from 11 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. ET. All sessions will be recorded and made available to attendees within 7 business days from the live event.

Non-Member: $75

Members: $50

Active individual or campus members can purchase access at a discounted rate by logging into the member portal to receive the member discount promo code.

CHES/MCHES contact hours pending approval

Live Sessions Include:

Opening Keynote – Pathways to Balance: Helping Students Reassess Their Relationship with Cannabis

December 4, 2024 at 11:00 – 12:00 p.m. ET | Presented by Kathryn Gex, PhD from The Medical University of South Carolina

Session Description:

Cannabis use among college students continues to increase. College students use cannabis for many different reasons and in different ways that can serve either as risk or protective factors for developing more problematic use. While many can find balance in their use of cannabis with other life activities and goals, others may struggle. Importantly, despite experiencing these struggles, it is rare for college students to identify abstinence from cannabis as a long-term goal. This session will discuss how college students are typically using cannabis, why they use cannabis, and what steps can be taken to intervene to improve student outcomes in an environment infused with mixed messaging about the risks and benefits of cannabis.

Learning Objectives:

• Identify and differentiate between cannabis products commonly used by college students.
• Discuss common reasons college students report using cannabis.
• Apply brief intervention techniques to support students reducing cannabis use.

Breakout Session – Urine Drug Screens in a Legalized Cannabis Landscape

December 4, 2024 at 12:30 – 1:30 p.m. ET | Presented by Dr. Kelsey Schmuhl, PharmD, BCACP from The Ohio State University

Session Description:

With over half of U.S. states legalizing cannabis, current and prospective college students have evolving perceptions and behaviors around the substance’s use. While society may be decreasing regulations around cannabis, students may still face situations that require them to provide a urine sample that is negative for cannabis in order to participate in their college program. Furthermore, federal cannabis regulations complicate the situation, especially for universities that receive federal funding. This session explores cannabis policy at the federal, state, and university level with a focus on collegiate urine drug screen requirements. Participants will learn the basics of urine drug screens and will discuss a harm reduction approach to educating students about their cannabis use and how it may impact participation in college programs.

Learning Objectives:

• Describe the legalization landscape of cannabis at the state and federal levels and how it impacts university policy
• Review where urine drug screens may play a role in a student’s college experience
• Discuss a harm reduction approach to educating students about their cannabis use

Roundtable Discussion – Cannabis & Sexual Consent

December 4, 2024 at 2:00 – 2:45 p.m. ET | Presented by Mary Hunt, PhD from Western Washington University

Session Description:

• Join Dr. Mary Hunt for a dynamic roundtable exploring the complexities of consent in cannabis-involved sexual situations—an emerging topic of interest among prevention professionals. This interactive Zoom session will feature a brief introduction followed by guided discussion questions designed to foster thoughtful dialogue and shared learning.

Roundtable Discussion – Understanding Cannabis Messaging and Motives

December 4, 2024 at 2:00 – 2:45 p.m. ET | Presented by Dr. Stacey Hust and Dr. Jessica Willoughby from Washington State University

Session Description:

• Join Dr. Stacey Hust and Dr. Jessica Willoughby for an engaging roundtable discussion on cannabis literacy—specifically, how we can better understand cannabis messaging and the motives behind it. This interactive Zoom session will begin with a brief introduction, followed by guided discussion questions designed to spark thoughtful dialogue and shared learning among prevention professionals.

Closing Panel – Cannabis on Campus: Strategies for Meaningful Intervention

December 4, 2024 at 3:15 – 4:15 p.m. ET | Panelists: Dr. Katherine Dienst from The University of Washington, Tom Fontana from the University of Vermont & Leslie Wilson from San Diego State University

Session Description:

As cannabis use continues to evolve in legality and social perception, college campuses face unique challenges in promoting student well-being. This panel will explore what effective cannabis intervention looks like in higher education settings, highlighting evidence-informed strategies, campus-specific approaches, and lessons learned from implementation. Panelists will share insights into navigating policy, prevention, and student engagement in a shifting landscape.

Learning Objectives:

• Identify key components of effective cannabis intervention strategies tailored to college populations.
• Discuss common challenges and opportunities in implementing cannabis-related prevention and education programs.
• Explore innovative approaches and collaborative models that support student health and reduce cannabis-related harm.