Medicinal cannabis and cannabinoid products work primarily on the endocannabinoid system in the brain and body. This system is responsible for regulating physiological functions in the body such as sleep, mood, memory and appetite.

Cannabinoid molecules found in products containing tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD), when ingested, flood the endocannabinoid system, binding to the dense network of receptors in the brain and nervous system to cause changes in neuron signalling. Once this binding occurs within the endocannabinoid receptors, the effects associated with cannabinoid usage are exhibited throughout the body.

Some of these effects that cannabinoid molecules impart upon the body have been studied and observed to induce certain effects which may potentially be of therapeutic benefit.

Medicinal cannabis, like all medications, should only be taken with a knowledge of its adverse effects.

Most notably, depending on the tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD) content of the medication, it may cause drowsiness and sedation. If affected, please refrain from driving a motor vehicle or operating machinery. Furthermore, you may experience nausea, dizziness, vertigo, slurred speech, dry mouth, increased appetite and impaired cognitive function.

Due to the intoxicating effects of medicinal cannabis (particularly high THC products), there is a potential for abuse and dependence. While recreational users seek the euphoria associated with this intoxication through smoking, this is not the intended effect of cannabis use as a medicinal treatment. Also, THC has a lower dependence profile as compared to other classes of drugs such as opioids or benzodiazepines, and studies show that the potential for toxicity and overdose is much lower in comparison.

Despite this, all patients using medicinal cannabis products (especially for daily use) should be fully aware and educated that there exists a risk of dependence associated with the use of products containing THC.

The intoxication commonly associated with ingesting cannabis is caused by the cannabinoid THC (tetrahydrocannabinol). It is one of the many cannabinoid components present in the Cannabis Sativa plant. Users of cannabis will typically experience the characteristic euphoria, relaxation and sensory distortion brought upon by THC intoxication. 

In general, illicitly grown cannabis will isolate parts of the plant (such as the bud and flowering head) which contain the highest proportions of THC in order for recreational users to enjoy this intoxication. The most common method of ingestion is through the inhalation of smoked or vaporised cannabis, which ensures a rapid absorption of THC compounds into the bloodstream via the blood-air barrier in the lungs.

In contrast, medicinal cannabis is administered in a wider variety of formulations such as oils, oral capsules, sublingual tablets as well as the aforementioned vaporised form. This affects the rate of absorption, half-life in the body and in turn its physiological effect.

Furthermore, medicinal cannabis is formulated with varying ratios of cannabinoids, in particular the secondary compound cannabidiol (CBD). Medicinal preparations will generally contain a higher concentration of CBD as compared to THC in order to utilize its many therapeutic effects (such as its antipsychotic, anti-anxiety and anti-inflammatory effects). As a result, the intoxicating "high" associated with recreational cannabis will not be as pronounced in such formulations.

Medicinal cannabis is currently being trialled in Australia for use in several conditions, including pain, anxiety, epilepsy and many other conditions. However, it is not yet approved by the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) to be included on the Australian Register of Therapeutic Goods (ARTG).

Therefore, in order for pharmacies to dispense a prescription for Medicinal Cannabis, the prescribing practitioner must provide a TGA Special Access Scheme (SAS) or Authorized Prescriber Scheme (AP) permit, along with a prescription. Please speak to any of our affiliated doctors or your chosen Medicinal Cannabis prescriber for more information on this.

If you wish to travel whilst in possession of medicinal cannabis, ensure that you are familiar with the laws and regulations of the country or region you are travelling to. Domestic travel within Australia generally permits passengers to possess medicinal cannabis, but officials may check its legal validity. As such, we recommend that all patients travelling with medicinal cannabis have a copy of their prescription available to them at all times.

If travelling internationally, please note that some countries prohibit the possession of medicinal cannabis. Cruise ship operators may also prohibit medicinal cannabis from being taken aboard as per their policies regardless of their country of operation. If unsure, always consult with the relevant authorities to ensure that possession is permitted.