What Psychotherapists and counselors may not know about cannabis psychedelics!

When facilitating a cannabis psychedelic session, psychotherapists and counselors should be well-informed about cannabis-specific knowledge and considerations that may not be part of their traditional training. Here are some aspects of cannabis that they should know:

1. Variability of Effects: Cannabis affects individuals differently due to factors such as strain, dosage, method of consumption, and individual differences in physiology and tolerance. Therapists should be aware that a client’s response to cannabis can vary widely.
2. Dosage and Administration: Understanding the appropriate dosage and administration method for a client’s specific needs is crucial. Knowledge of the different ways cannabis can be consumed (e.g., smoking, vaporizing, edibles) and their onset and duration of effects is important.
3. Set and Setting: Just like with other psychedelics, the psychological state of the individual (the “set”) and the physical and social environment (the “setting”) play a significant role in the cannabis experience. Therapists should help clients create a safe, comfortable, and supportive setting.
4. Psychological Screening: Conducting a thorough psychological screening is essential to identify any contraindications or potential risks. Individuals with a history of psychosis, severe anxiety, or certain mental health conditions may not be suitable candidates for cannabis-assisted therapy.
5. Potential Risks: Therapists should be aware of the potential risks associated with cannabis, including acute anxiety, paranoia, and psychotic-like experiences. They should have strategies in place to manage these risks if they arise during a session.
6. Integration: After the psychedelic experience, therapists should guide clients in integrating their insights and experiences into their daily lives. This involves helping clients make sense of their journey and apply what they’ve learned.
7. Legal and Ethical Considerations: Depending on the jurisdiction, the use of cannabis in therapy may have legal and ethical implications. Therapists should be well-versed in the laws and regulations governing cannabis use in their area.
8. Client Education: Providing clients with accurate information about cannabis, its effects, and potential risks is crucial. Clients should understand what to expect during a session and how to use cannabis responsibly.
9. Emergency Preparedness: Having a plan for handling emergencies or challenging experiences during a session is essential. Therapists should know when and how to seek medical assistance if necessary.
10. Continuing Education: Given the evolving landscape of cannabis research and regulations, therapists should stay updated on the latest findings, best practices, and legal changes related to cannabis-assisted therapy.
11. Personal Experience: While therapists don’t need personal experience with cannabis, having a basic understanding of the plant’s effects through firsthand accounts or education can help them empathize with clients’ experiences.

It’s important for therapists to recognize that facilitating cannabis-assisted therapy is a specialized field, and they should seek additional training and consultation from experts in this area to provide safe and effective support to their clients. Additionally, therapists should always prioritize client safety and well-being and adhere to ethical guidelines and legal requirements in their jurisdiction.

Cannabis Psychedelics offers an expert cannabis psychedelic training course to ensure all of the above (and more) is taught by world experts from Europe, USA, Asia and of course throughout Australia.