Medicinal Cannabis - Routes of Administration, Side Effects and Contra Indications

The Medicinal Cannabis: Routes of Administration, Side Effects, and Contraindications course is divided into two comprehensive units presented by Dr. John Teh. This course equips healthcare professionals with essential knowledge on the safe prescription and use of medicinal cannabis for patients.

Unit 1: Introduction and Administration Options
This unit covers the various routes of administration for medicinal cannabis, including inhalation, sublingual, oral, rectal, transdermal, and topical methods. Each method’s pharmacokinetics is discussed, with emphasis on how bioavailability, onset, and duration of action differ based on the route. Dr. Teh explains the importance of selecting the appropriate method for patients based on their clinical needs, such as using vaporisation over smoking for inhalation. Topics like the metabolism of THC and CBD, and the role of decarboxylation in activating cannabinoids, are explored to provide insight into the cannabis absorption and elimination process​.

Unit 2: Side Effects, Interactions, and Contraindications
In this unit, Dr. Teh outlines the potential side effects of medicinal cannabis, such as dizziness, euphoria, dry mouth, and fatigue, while also highlighting the dose-dependent nature of many of these effects. The course also addresses potential drug interactions, particularly with medications metabolised by cytochrome P450 enzymes, emphasising the importance of monitoring when using high doses of CBD. Contraindications such as severe cardiac disease and pregnancy are discussed, alongside the safety of cannabis use relative to other medications like opioids, with a focus on its non-lethal profile​.

This course provides a thorough understanding of medicinal cannabis, helping healthcare providers make informed decisions on prescribing and managing treatment plans for their patients.