Search our site
Current evidence base for medicinal cannabis in epilepsy and palliative care with Dr Norman Swan produced in association with Tonic Health Media
Just about all chemical compounds, including prescription, over-the-counter and herbal formulations and some foods can potentially interact with each other. And cannabis-based products are no different.
A patient or their carer may receive, possess and administer a cannabis medicine which has been legally imported/manufactured and prescribed for the patient.
Cannabis medicines must be packaged and labelled as Schedule 8 drugs unless it is a Schedule 4 cannabidiol product.
You can check regulations in your state by visiting:
Cannabis factsheet
Cannabinoids in epilepsy factsheet
We are always being asked which books to read to learn about medicinal cannabis.
We have pulled together some books and movies that you may find helpful. We will add to this list as we come across good resources.
Method
Inhalation
Ingestion
Sublingual
Topical
Forms
Absorption
Lungs
Stomach and/or small intestine
Through oral mucosa into bloodstream
At external local application site
Bioavailability
THC/CBD ~4-20% ~2-6 hrs after Ingestion
Studies of bioavailability not available
Studies of bioavailability not available
Onset
Rapid
90 mins
15-60 mins
unknown
Peak
30 mins
2-3 hrs
1-2 hrs
unknown
Duration
1-4 hrs
6-8 hrs
1-4 hrs
unknown
Comments
Vaping is recommended over smoking
Absorption impacted by stomach contents, carrier medium, type of capsule – some capsules designed to increase bioavailability
Important to hold under the tongue rather than swallow to increase absorption directly into blood stream
Can be used on rashes. Does not penetrate the deeper layers of the aqueous skin efficiently. Does not cause any ‘high’ related to THC.
Inhalation
Ingestion
Sublingual
Topical
Purified CBD is well-tolerated and effective in reducing seizure frequency in children and young adults with DRE. Pediatric Neurology. Jan 2024
Medicinal Cannabis and Epilepsy
Pediatric Neurology 2024
Medicinal Cannabis and Epilepsy Syndromes
This review critically summarizes the potential impact of cannabinoids in concomitance with other drugs in the following chronic diseases as Epilepsy, Autism Spectrum Disorders, Oncology, Multiple Sclerosis, and Chronic Pain Medicine and Pharmacology. Feb 2024
Medicinal Cannabis Studies
Recorded lectures by eminent international researchers, physicians and advocates in the world of medicinal cannabis
Health House
1:06
14 August 2020
View
Australian Medicinal Cannabis Research
1:02
22 July 2020
View
ABC Science Australia
3 mins
12 May 2019
View
Studio 10 interview with Jo Freeman, Cooper and Carol Ireland
8 mins
8 January 2019
View
Associate Professor Barbara A. Brett
18 mins
24 December 2018
View
Dr Bonni Goldstein
20 mins
24 December 2018
View
How much do you know about cannabis?
Take our quick 10 question quiz to find out.
Enter your email address below to be kept up to date.
Produced by:
Enter your email address below to be kept up to date.
