Featured for Nurses

The medical cannabis landscape in Australia is rapidly evolving, with an increasing range of products available to meet diverse patient needs. This fundamental module offers a comprehensive introduction to medical cannabis products, including key classifications, routes of administration, and the therapeutic roles of cannabinoids such as THC and CBD. You’ll explore the endocannabinoid system (ECS) and learn how factors like onset of action, bioavailability, and duration of effect influence product selection and patient outcomes. Ideal for healthcare professionals new to the field, this module builds essential knowledge to support safe, effective integration of medical cannabis into patient care. Preview this module by watching the video above. Estimated Duration: 1 hour Access Duration: 12 months from date of purchase Learning Outcomes Upon completion of this module, you’ll be able to: Define endogenous and exogenous cannabinoids Summarise the role and function of the endocannabinoid system (ECS) Describe the properties of THC and CBD, including their potential therapeutic and medicinal effects Describe different medical cannabis product categorisations Identify, for different administration methods, speed of onset, bioavailability and duration of effects Explain considerations when selecting medical cannabis products to improve safety and efficacy for patients

This course is designed to equip nursing professionals with the knowledge and skills necessary to navigate Australia's evolving medical cannabis landscape. DEVELOPER'S NOTE: As nurses, we understand the growing importance of holistic care and the role medical cannabis can have in managing a multitude of conditions. Join us in this meticulously crafted course to explore the history and botany of cannabis, understand the role of the endocannabinoid system and homeostasis. Learn how to navigate TGA processes, monitor and manage potential adverse side effects and other important aspects of cannabis treatment and patient care. This course is created and endorsed by nurses who believe in the potential of medical cannabis as a vital component of integrative, modern healthcare. Preview this course by watching the video above. Estimated Duration: 5 hours Access Duration: 12 months from date of purchase Learning Outcomes Upon completion of this module, you’ll be able to: Describe cannabis medicines accurately and demonstrate an understanding of the individual chemical components of the plant. Demonstrate an understanding of endocannabinoid system function. Assess the suitability of cannabis treatments in various chronic disease states. Identify appropriate patient cohorts for medical cannabis treatment. Facilitate clinical discussions with patients around medical cannabis as a therapeutic option in symptom management. Monitor and provide titration advice around cannabinoid medicines.  Apply critical safety considerations in patient centred care. Navigate the regulatory frameworks surrounding medical cannabis provision in Australia.  Claim 5 CPD hours for eligible participants.

This module explores the endocannabinoid system (ECS) and its critical role in the effects of medical cannabis. It examines the discoveries that shaped our understanding of the ECS, its primary components—such as CB1, CB2, and TRPV1 receptors—and the mechanisms of retrograde cell signaling, which underpins how cannabinoids influence physiological processes. Participants will learn about the role of ECS ligands and non-ligand mediators in cannabis pharmacology, the concept of endocannabinoid tone, and factors that can affect it. Clinical considerations are addressed to provide a deeper understanding of how the ECS informs the safe and effective use of medical cannabis in patient care. Preview this module by watching the video above. Estimated Duration: 1 hour Access Duration: 12 months from date of purchase Learning Outcomes Upon completion of this module, you’ll be able to: Describe the discoveries that shaped today's understanding of the endocannabinoid system (ECS) Explain the functions of the ECS, its main components, and how they interact Discuss the function and benefits of retrograde cell signalling Outline the roles and functions of cannabinoid receptors CB1 and CB2, and vanilloid receptor TRPV1 Identify ECS ligands and non-ligand mediators and describe their role in ECS function Define endocannabinoid tone and its influencing factors Discuss clinical considerations related to the ECS

Terpenes are plant-based compounds responsible for a plant's aroma,¹ likely contributing to pigmentation and offering protection against environmental threats, such as predators or adverse weather conditions.² They may also provide therapeutic effects when ingested or applied topically, although in some cases, they can cause side effects.¹ While research on terpenes is still in its early stages, some studies suggest they may influence and enhance mood, potentially through interactions with body systems like the endocannabinoid system.³ Cannabis plants are particularly rich in terpenes, with over 150 types identified across various cannabis cultivars.⁴ Emerging evidence also indicates that terpenes might interact with other compounds, such as cannabinoids and additional terpenes, to produce synergistic or cumulative effects.⁵ However, this area of study remains in its infancy.⁶ These findings highlight the diverse therapeutic potential of medical cannabis cultivars, shaped by their unique compound profiles and effects.⁶ A deeper understanding of terpenes' therapeutic potential can help health practitioners make informed clinical decisions, tailored to each patient's individual needs, preferences, and overall well-being. Preview this module by watching the video above. Estimated Duration: 1 hours Access Duration: 12 months from date of purchase Learning Outcomes Upon completion of this module, you’ll be able to: Define terpene Explain terpenes' functions in plants Discuss terpenes' hypothesised general functions in the body and potential interactions with other compounds Define terpenoid Explain the difference between terpenes and terpenoids Identify and describe characteristics of key terpenoid subclasses Explain the relevance of target boiling points for terpenes and terpenoids during medical cannabis administration Identify and describe key terpenes' and terpenoids' characteristics, mechanisms of action, therapeutic potential and target boiling point Identify current gaps in research and their implications for the clinical use of terpenes and terpenoids References: Paduch, Roman, et al. “Terpenes: Substances Useful in Human Healthcare.” Archivum Immunologiae et Therapiae Experimentalis, vol. 55, no. 5, Oct. 2007, pp. 315–327, https://doi.org/10.1007/s00005-007-0039-1. Yang, Jianming, et al. “Enhancing Production of Bio-Isoprene Using Hybrid MVA Pathway and Isoprene Synthase in E. Coli.” PLoS ONE, vol. 7, no. 4, 27 Apr. 2012, p. e33509, https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0033509. Christensen, Catalina, et al. “Decoding the Postulated Entourage Effect of Medicinal Cannabis: What It Is and What It Isn’t.” Biomedicines, vol. 11, no. 8, 21 Aug. 2023, pp. 2323–2323, https://doi.org/10.3390/biomedicines11082323. Booth, Judith K., and Jörg Bohlmann. “Terpenes in Cannabis Sativa – from Plant Genome to Humans.” Plant Science, vol. 284, July 2019, pp. 67–72, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.plantsci.2019.03.022. LaVigne, Justin E., et al. “Cannabis Sativa Terpenes Are Cannabimimetic and Selectively Enhance Cannabinoid Activity.” Scientific Reports, vol. 11, no. 1, 15 Apr. 2021, https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-021-87740-8. Sommano, Sarana Rose, et al. “The Cannabis Terpenes.” Molecules, vol. 25, no. 24, 1 Jan. 2020, p. 5792, www.mdpi.com/1420-3049/25/24/5792, https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules25245792.

This microcredential offers healthcare professionals an in-depth look at how medical cannabis can be integrated into the management of chronic pain in complex patient cases. Through real-world scenarios, this microcredential highlights the therapeutic potential of cannabis while addressing concerns related to coexisting conditions, medication interactions, and patient quality of life. This microcredential includes: Clinical Case Study - ADHD Symptoms and Chronic Pain: Explore how medical cannabis helped Hayley, a 37-year-old patient with combined-type ADHD and chronic pain, manage her attention, anxiety, sleep, and physical discomfort. Clinical Case Study - Chronic Pain & Hepatic Dysfunction: Follow Stephen, a 56-year-old with hepatic fibrosis, as his healthcare team safely incorporated medical cannabis into his treatment plan for chronic back pain and gout, restoring his active lifestyle. Clinical Case Study - Chronic Pain, Insomnia & Cardiac Issues: Delve into Jen’s case, a 60-year-old with complex regional pain syndrome and stable cardiovascular disease, who found relief from chronic pain and insomnia through carefully managed medical cannabis treatment. Clinical Case Study - MS-Associated Chronic Pain and Spasticity: Examine how Johanna, a 39-year-old with multiple sclerosis, addressed her neuropathic pain and spasticity using an affordable, well-balanced cannabis treatment plan, overcoming challenges related to her other medications and financial constraints. This microcredential is designed to enhance practitioners’ understanding of medical cannabis' role in improving patient outcomes in chronic pain management, even in complex clinical scenarios. Preview this module by watching the video above. Estimated Duration: 4 hours Access Duration: 12 months from date of purchase Learning Outcomes Upon completion of this module, you’ll be able to: Demonstrate an understanding of the role of medical cannabis in managing chronic pain in patients with coexisting conditions like ADHD, hepatic dysfunction, cardiac issues, and multiple sclerosis. Evaluate real-world case studies to assess cannabis' therapeutic potential for symptom management. Apply critical safety considerations and risk mitigation strategies for patients with hepatic and cardiac concerns. Discuss potential drug-drug interactions and the safe use of medical cannabis in complex patient cases. Facilitate patient-centered discussions around medical cannabis for chronic pain, addressing sleep and psychological symptoms. Devise tailored cannabis treatment plans that consider patient safety, minimise risk, and enhance quality of life in complex cases.

Noel is a 57-year-old military veteran who developed PTSD and chronic pain due to several injuries sustained during service. Despite trialling several conventional treatment options, Noel is still experiencing debilitating mood symptoms that affect his sleep, as well as chronic pain from the injuries he sustained. In this case study, we explore how Dr. Xie prescribed medical cannabis in Noel's treatment plan. Preview this module by watching the video above. Estimated Duration: 1 hours Access Duration: 12 months from date of purchase Learning Outcomes Upon completion of this module, you’ll be able to: Explain the pathophysiology of PTSD and identify common management strategies  Discuss the potential benefits and limitations of medical cannabis as a treatment option for symptoms of PTSD Identify suitable candidates for medical cannabis treatment Facilitate clinical discussions with patients around medical cannabis as a therapeutic option in the management of PTSD Devise treatment plans that consider patient safety and minimise risk

Palliative care focusses on relieving suffering and improving quality of life for individuals with life-limiting illnesses. Historically, practitioners applied palliative care only to cancer patients, but it's increasingly being introduced earlier in the course of illness.¹ This module examines the role of palliative care as part of person-centred health services, aligned with the World Health Organisation's framework, which highlights the importance of meeting individual needs and preferences.² Learners will explore challenges such as symptom management and the complexities of polypharmacy, which can limit the effectiveness of traditional treatments. The module also discusses the potential role of medical cannabis in addressing symptoms, reducing medication side effects, and improving quality of life for patients in palliative care. This module provides healthcare practitioners with knowledge to responsibly integrate medical cannabis into palliative care plans. Preview this module by watching the video above. Estimated Duration: 1 hours Access Duration: 12 months from date of purchase Learning Outcomes Upon completion of this module, you’ll be able to: Define palliative care Discuss the purposes and standard processes and approaches in palliative care Discuss the importance of goals of care in palliative care Discuss the role of services, supports and people involved in palliative care Explain how palliative care differs from end-of-life care Explain how the endocannabinoid system may influence symptoms and side effects experienced by those in palliative care Explain how health practitioners and professionals may facilitate medical cannabis treatment to manage symptoms and side effects commonly experienced by those in palliative care Identify clinical considerations that relate to medical cannabis use in palliative care References ¹ Lukas Radbruch, et al. “Redefining Palliative Care—a New Consensus-Based Definition.” Journal of Pain and Symptom Management, vol. 60, no. 4, 6 May 2020, pp. 754–764, www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0885392420302475, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jpainsymman.2020.04.027. Accessed 17 Oct. 2024.² Australian Institute of Health and Welfare. “Palliative Care Services in Australia, Summary - Australian Institute of Health and Welfare.” Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, 2023, www.aihw.gov.au/reports/palliative-care-services/palliative-care-services-in-australia/contents/summary. Accessed 23 Oct. 2024.

This course is an intermediate-level exploration of how to tailor medical cannabis treatment for patients by considering their prior exposure to cannabis (medical or otherwise). With a focus on identifying patients' exposure levels, nurses and nurse practitioners will learn to account for patients’ prior cannabis exposure when offering care during medical cannabis treatment. Over the course of 7 modules, discover cannabis’ interactions with the body, as well as the key identifiers, considerations and recommendations for offering safe and effective treatment. Examine the biological composition of cannabis and its pharmacological interactions with the body, gaining insight into how prior exposure affects tolerance and experience. This course forms part of a comprehensive learning path covering factors to consider when offering medical cannabis care and treatment. Preview this course by watching the video above. Estimated Duration: 6 hours Access Duration: 12 months from date of purchase Learning Outcomes Upon completion of this module, you’ll be able to: Identify cannabis’ biological constituents and explain their effects on the body Explain how the endocannabinoid system (ECS) maintains homeostasis and describe cannabis’ interactions with the ECS, including how exposure affects endocannabinoid tone Identify the 2 dimensions of prior cannabis exposure, and explain how to identify them in patients Explain how prior exposure may impact treatment goals and discuss considerations and recommendations for setting personalised treatment goals based on prior exposure Identify and describe common medical cannabis products and explain the considerations and recommendations for product selection based on prior cannabis exposure Discuss general recommendations for dosage and titration based on patient’s prior cannabis exposure