The “Pot” Thickens: Debunking Cultural Misconceptions and Exploring Clinical Implications of Unregulated Products Including Cannabis and Kratom
Presented by Kelly Little MSW, LCAS, CCS, CCTP, Eagala Certified (MH)
Clinical Supervisor – Dilworth Center
Workshop Overview
As the craze around wellness continues to grow like a weed, drugs like delta-8, THCA, Kratom, and Kava have infiltrated the market. These drugs are often marketed as healing drugs, offering solutions to a myriad of medical concerns including but not limited to anxiety, depression, trouble sleeping, and pain. Additionally, they have been marketed as alternatives to using alcohol, as well as alternatives to traditional treatment options and MAT programs. In this lecture, we will explore the impact of legalization and related marketing techniques on cultural perception, as well as use trends. We will discuss relevant research and debunk myths related to the “benefits” of these substances. Finally, we will examine the cyclical relationship between use of these unregulated substances and mental health, as well as the clinical implications of treating substance use disorders when the drug is legal and/or unregulated.
WORKSHOP INFORMATION
February 27th, 2026
9:00 AM ET to 11:00 AM ET – Training Presentation
LOCATION: Register to receive link information for this online training.
COST: FREE – There is no charge for this complimentary training.
REGISTRATION: Sign-up via Zoom.
The training will cover:
1. Identifying current trends in adolescent and young adult substance use and abuse 2. Evaluate the influence that legalization has on perception and use of Cannabis products 3. Explore related trends with other legal and/or unregulated substances including Kratom 4. Summarize the relationship between unregulated substance use and mental health 5. Outline systemic and clinical implications
ABOUT THE PRESENTER
Kelly Little MSW, LCAS, CCS, CCTP, Eagala Certified (MH)
Clinical Supervisor – Dilworth Center
Kelly Little has been working in substance use disorder treatment since 2011, specializing in the treatment of adolescents. She received her master’s in social work from The University of North Carolina Charlotte in 2014. Kelly is a Licensed Clinical Addiction Specialist and Certified Clinical Supervisor. Additionally, she is a Certified Clinical Trauma Professional and an Eagala Certified Mental Health Specialist. Ms. Little is employed as the clinical supervisor at Dilworth Center, a local intensive outpatient treatment program for substance use disorders. In addition to supervising the clinical staff, Kelly works directly with adolescent and young adult patients and their family members. Kelly finds her work to be an honor and a privilege, as she is able to witness families heal through recovery.
NCASPPB CREDITS
We have applied to the NC Substance Abuse Professional Practice Board (NCSAPPB) for approval of 2 Substance Abuse Specific credits. Completion of a short, post-workshop electronic survey will be required to receive your certificate.
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