medical cannabis

Action and Spectrum

Actions and Spectrum 

The primary active compounds in medical cannabis are cannabinoids, which interact with the body’s endocannabinoid system to produce various effects.  

The two most well-known cannabinoids are tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD). Type 1 (CB1) and type 2 (CB2) cannabinoid receptors may be directly or indirectly activated by THC and CBD when they interact with the endocannabinoid system. 

Drug Interaction

Adverse Reaction

Frequency not defined  

Circulatory shock 

Deep vein thrombosis 

Dehydration, hot flash 

Acute myocardial infarction 

Atrial fibrillation 

Cerebrovascular accident 

Cellulitis, hyperhidrosis 

Pressure ulcer, pruritus 

Increased thirst 

Abdominal pain, constipation 

Increased appetite, nausea, oral mucosa ulcer 

Bladder dysfunction 

Urinary tract infection 

Decreased gastrointestinal motility, diarrhea 

Dysgeusia, dysphagia, gastroenteritis 

Anemia, leukopenia 

Hepatic fibrosis, liver steatosis 

Hypersensitivity reaction 

Infection, sepsis 

Lymphadenopathy 

Abnormal hepatic function tests  

Abnormal dreams, aggressive behavior  

Agitation, amnesia 

Confusion, decreased mental acuity, delusion 

Lack of concentration, memory impairment 

Anxiety, apathy, ataxia  

Balance impairment, bipolar mood disorder 

Mood changes 

Mouth pain, myasthenia 

Cough, dyspnea 

Lower respiratory tract infection  

Psychosis, schizophrenia 

Sedated state, seizure, speech disturbance 

Asthenia, muscle spasm, muscle twitching  

Nervousness, panic attack 

Paranoid ideation, Paresthesia 

Myalgia, osteomyelitis, tremor 

Blurred vision, eye redness 

Tinnitus 

Acute pulmonary reaction (bronchodilation) 

Drug tolerance, fever 

Black Box Warning

Black Box Warning 

None

Contraindication / Caution

Contraindication/Caution: 

Contraindication: 

• Contraindicated into cannabinoid-based therapies also apply to the use of all cannabis products. 

Caution: 

• medical cannabis can temporarily increase heart rate and blood pressure, which may pose risks to individuals with cardiovascular conditions. 
• medical cannabis can cause temporary cognitive impairment, so individuals using medical cannabis should avoid activities that require alertness and coordination.

Pregnancy / Lactation

Pregnancy consideration: 

Pregnancy category: N/A 

Lactation: some metabolites of drug may present in human milk  

Pregnancy Categories:         

Category A: well-controlled and Satisfactory studies show no risk to the fetus in the first or later trimester. 

Category B: there was no evidence of risk to the fetus in animal studies, and there were not enough studies on pregnant women.  

Category C: there was evidence of risk of adverse effects in animal reproduction studies, and no adequate evidence in human studies must take care of potential risks in pregnant women. 

Category D: adequate data with sufficient evidence of human fetal risk from various platforms, but despite the potential risk, and used only in emergency cases for potential benefits. 

Category X: Drugs listed in this category outweigh the risks over benefits. Hence these categories of drugs need to be avoided by pregnant women. 

Category N: There is no data available for the drug under this category. 

Pharmacology

Pharmacology  

tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the psychoactive component of cannabis, binds to cannabinoid receptor type 1 (CB1) receptors, particularly in the brain. By activating CB1 receptors, THC can produce various effects, including altered perception, mood changes, and euphoria. 

Pharmacodynamics 

cannabidiol (CBD) has a low affinity for CB1 and CB2 receptors and does not produce psychoactive effects. CBD modulates the activity of CB1 receptors indirectly. 

Pharmacokinetics 

Absorption   

The absorption of medical cannabis depends on the route of administration. When cannabis is inhaled, the cannabinoids are rapidly absorbed through the lungs into the bloodstream.  

Distribution 

medical cannabis is distributed throughout the body.  

Metabolism 

medical cannabis is primarily metabolized in the liver. The main metabolic pathway for THC is through the liver enzyme cytochrome P450 (CYP450) system.  

Elimination and excretion 

medical cannabis is excreted from the body primarily through urine and feces.

Adminstartion

Administration 

medical cannabis can be administered through various routes like Inhalation in form of smoking; Oral; Sublingual in form of tincture and Topical in form of cream and lotion.

Patient Information Leaflet

Patient information leaflet 

Generic Name: medical cannabis 

Why do we use medical cannabis? 

medical cannabis has shown promise in managing chronic pain conditions, such as neuropathic pain, arthritis and fibromyalgia.   

medical cannabis may help some individuals with insomnia or sleep disturbances.   

medical cannabis also used to reduce muscle spasms and spasticity.