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The endocannabinoid system is a major regulatory system in the body, responsible for regulating nearly all our bodily systems and functions. In this foundation module, neuroscientist Dr Elisabeth Philipps presents an overview of the endocannabinoid system, covering its components, distribution and roles including in stress modulation, pain, inflammation, neuroinflammation and more. This module is suitable for healthcare practitioners and others with a background in biomedical sciences.

This learning module presents an overview of medicinal cannabis by one of Israel’s leading experts, Dr David (Dedi) Meiri. Dr Meiri explores the endocannabinoid system and the many constituents of cannabis, and shares some of his research findings including evidence of specificity of cannabis cultivars in relation to cancer cells, and demonstrating the concept of polypharmacy in relation to cannabis.

In this learning module, we explore what medicinal cannabis is, including its history of use, the major components of cannabis (cannabidiol [CBD], tetrahydrocannabinol [THC], terpenes), and the major therapeutic actions of THC and CBD and their mechanisms of action. We also examine what people are using medicinal cannabis for, evidence of its efficacy and briefly cover safety in relation to THC and CBD. This learning module is suitable for healthcare practitioners with an interest in learning about medicinal cannabis.

In this presentation, pharmacology expert Associate Professor Ali Seyfoddin (New Zealand) takes us through the pharmacokinetics of medicinal cannabis, covering the routes of delivery of cannabis (inhalation, oral, buccal, rectal and transdermal routes) and the associated absorption characteristics, distribution, metabolism and elimination. THC bioavailability, time for maximum plasma concentrations, and potential for drug-cannabinoid interactions is also examined. This presentation is suitable for healthcare practitioners and those with a background in biomedical sciences. It assumes a knowledge of the endocannabinoid system and medicinal cannabis pharmacodynamics.

In this presentation, Associate Professor Ali Seyfoddin gives a summary of the safety aspects of cannabis, tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD) including common side effects, drug-cannabis interactions, and contraindications. He also explores some of the scientific evidence of safety of cannabis in the treatment of specific illnesses, as well as safety in relation to long-term use. This presentation is suitable for healthcare practitioners and those with a background in biomedical sciences. It assumes a knowledge of the endocannabinoid system and medicinal cannabis pharmacodynamics.

Cancer is rapidly becoming the number one cause of mortality in many countries. Increasingly people diagnosed with cancer are turning to medicinal cannabis to treat symptoms/signs associated with cancer and its treatments. In this presentation, Associate Professor Judith Professor of the Chris O’Brien Lifehouse Comprehensive Cancer Centre, shares her experience in cancer and cancer treatment symptom management, including its use in treating refractory symptoms in advanced cancer. This presentation assumes an understanding of the endocannabinoid system and how CBD and THC work. This presentation is pitched at the level of healthcare practitioners and those with a background in biomedical sciences.

In this presentation, Associate Professor Ali Seyfoddin gives a summary of the safety aspects of cannabis, tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD) including common side effects, drug-cannabis interactions, and contraindications. He also explores some of the scientific evidence of safety of cannabis in the treatment of specific illnesses, as well as safety in relation to long-term use. This presentation is suitable for healthcare practitioners and those with a background in biomedical sciences. It assumes a knowledge of the endocannabinoid system and medicinal cannabis pharmacodynamics.

In this presentation, you will learn about the safety aspects of cannabis, tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD) including common and rarer side effects, effects on blood pressure and heart rate, toxicity and drug-cannabis/THC/CBD interactions. Safety of terpenes will also be covered. This presentation is suitable for healthcare practitioners and those with a background in biomedical sciences. It assumes a knowledge of the endocannabinoid system and medicinal cannabis pharmacodynamics.