Program Details
2026-11-23 12:00:00
Over 1,000+ webinars
Course Overview
2026-11-23 12:00:00
2h CLE Credits
Intermediate
2
12:00 pm - 1:00 pm ESTThis session examines the legal and practical defenses available to employers, insurers, and defense counsel challenging workers’ compensation reimbursement claims for medical cannabis following federal marijuana rescheduling. It begins with the Controlled Substances Act of 1970 and the evolution of state laws addressing medical cannabis reimbursement, including the preemption and Supremacy Clause arguments considered in Bierbach, Musta, and other states. The session explores whether specific cannabis products fall within the scope of the federal rescheduling order, the need to establish product identity, state licensing, THC composition, dosage, and compliance with applicable federal requirements, and whether a valid federal prescription and compliant dispensing process exist. It also addresses challenges to medical necessity, including inadequate clinical rationale, lack of objective functional improvement, the availability of conventional treatments, inappropriate dosing, and the absence of evidence supporting continued treatment. Additional topics include proving actual expenses and reasonable charges, evaluating the order’s effective date and potential retroactivity, distinguishing state medical cannabis certification from FDA approval, and assessing the lack of established national standards for cannabis dosing, safety, efficacy, and manufacturing quality. Finally, the session considers state-specific statutory exclusions and reimbursement restrictions, including those in Florida, Alabama, and Ohio, and examines how these defenses apply in the post-order legal landscape.
Susan K. H. Conley
Jacob D. Farmer 1:10 pm - 2:10 pm ESTThis session examines how toxicology testing can be used to support workers’ compensation intoxication denials, with a focus on the burden of proof in California, Florida, and Georgia and the evidentiary differences between urine and blood cannabis testing. It explores the interpretation of THC-COOH in urine and delta-9 THC in blood, using case reports to illustrate how test results should be evaluated in context, as well as the potential interference of delta-8 THC and its implications for interpreting laboratory findings. The session also addresses common issues that may undermine the reliability or admissibility of toxicology results, including what defense counsel should know and request from the laboratory, and when a Medical Review Officer (MRO) may be involved. Finally, it covers strategies for deposing the claimant’s toxicologist, evaluating the scientific basis for intoxication opinions, and developing a defensible evidentiary record for hearings involving alleged cannabis-related impairment.
Margaret M. GeddeSusan K. H. Conley, known as Sue, is a shareholder at Arthur, Chapman, Kettering, Smetak & Pikala, P.A., with more than 25 years of experience representing insurers, employers, and self-insured entities in workers’ compensation and general liability matters. Her practice focuses on defending complex claims, evaluating medical evidence, and addressing liability and damages issues. She has particular experience involving occupational exposure, traumatic brain injuries (TBIs), and complex medical claims, which can present significant challenges for employers, insurers, and claims professionals. In addition to her litigation practice, Ms. Conley provides practical guidance and education to clients and professional organizations on the defense and mitigation of damages in these cases. She also represents clients in motor vehicle accidents, fire litigation, product liability, and premises liability matters.
Jacob D. Farmer is an associate attorney in the Workers’ Compensation Practice Group at Arthur, Chapman, Kettering, Smetak & Pikala, P.A., based in Minneapolis, Minnesota. He earned his Juris Doctor from the University of St. Thomas School of Law in 2026, following his undergraduate studies at the University of Wisconsin–Superior, where he received his Bachelor of Arts degree. Before attending law school, Mr. Farmer served four years on active duty in the United States Air Force as an Intelligence Analyst. His military experience provided a professional background in intelligence analysis before he transitioned to the legal profession.
Dr. Margaret M. Gedde is a physician board-certified in Clinical Pathology by the American Board of Pathology and the founder of Gedde Whole Health, LLC. She maintains a telemedicine medical cannabis practice focused on the use of cannabinoids for the management of epilepsy. Her medical training includes a residency at the University of Pennsylvania Medical Center, where she served as Chief Resident in the Division of Laboratory Medicine and received training across multiple laboratory medicine specialties, including clinical chemistry, medical and forensic toxicology, clinical microbiology, hematology, immunology, molecular genetics, and transfusion medicine. She has also completed postdoctoral fellowships at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine and the University of California at Berkeley. Dr. Gedde has served on multiple medical and scientific advisory boards in the cannabis industry, authored or co-authored numerous peer-reviewed publications, and presented at medical and legal conferences on cannabinoid medicine and forensic toxicology. In her six years as an expert witness, she has reviewed nearly 90 cases involving drug and alcohol testing. In cases where her expert witness disclosure report was submitted to the opposition, she reports a 90% success rate for her clients.
Susan K. H. Conley, known as Sue, is a shareholder at Arthur, Chapman, Kettering, Smetak & Pikala, P.A., with more than 25 years of experience representing insurers, employers, and self-insured entities in workers’ compensation and general liability matters. Her practice focuses on defending complex claims, evaluating medical evidence, and addressing liability and damages issues. She has particular experience involving occupational exposure, traumatic brain injuries (TBIs), and complex medical claims, which can present significant challenges for employers, insurers, and claims professionals. In addition to her litigation practice, Ms. Conley provides practical guidance and education to clients and professional organizations on the defense and mitigation of damages in these cases. She also represents clients in motor vehicle accidents, fire litigation, product liability, and premises liability matters.
Jacob D. Farmer is an associate attorney in the Workers’ Compensation Practice Group at Arthur, Chapman, Kettering, Smetak & Pikala, P.A., based in Minneapolis, Minnesota. He earned his Juris Doctor from the University of St. Thomas School of Law in 2026, following his undergraduate studies at the University of Wisconsin–Superior, where he received his Bachelor of Arts degree. Before attending law school, Mr. Farmer served four years on active duty in the United States Air Force as an Intelligence Analyst. His military experience provided a professional background in intelligence analysis before he transitioned to the legal profession.
Dr. Margaret M. Gedde is a physician board-certified in Clinical Pathology by the American Board of Pathology and the founder of Gedde Whole Health, LLC. She maintains a telemedicine medical cannabis practice focused on the use of cannabinoids for the management of epilepsy. Her medical training includes a residency at the University of Pennsylvania Medical Center, where she served as Chief Resident in the Division of Laboratory Medicine and received training across multiple laboratory medicine specialties, including clinical chemistry, medical and forensic toxicology, clinical microbiology, hematology, immunology, molecular genetics, and transfusion medicine. She has also completed postdoctoral fellowships at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine and the University of California at Berkeley. Dr. Gedde has served on multiple medical and scientific advisory boards in the cannabis industry, authored or co-authored numerous peer-reviewed publications, and presented at medical and legal conferences on cannabinoid medicine and forensic toxicology. In her six years as an expert witness, she has reviewed nearly 90 cases involving drug and alcohol testing. In cases where her expert witness disclosure report was submitted to the opposition, she reports a 90% success rate for her clients.
Requirements
The Alabama State Bar MCLE Commission requires attorneys to complete 12 credits, including 1 ethics, by December 31 of each year. All credits must be reported by February 15 of the following year. A maximum of 12 credits, including 1 ethics credit, may be carried over for 1 year only.
Formats
