Featured for Pharmacists

This course is designed to equip pharmacist professionals with the knowledge and skills necessary to navigate Australia's evolving medical cannabis landscape. Designed for pharmacists, this course will help you gain essential knowledge for safely and effectively handling medical cannabis. Develop a practical understanding of the endocannabinoid system, crucial for dispensing, monitoring, and adjusting cannabinoid medications within Australia's regulations. Understand your distinct role as a pharmacist in patient care, and learn to lead discussions with your patients for their best health outcomes. Join a cohort of passionate pharmacists in Australia who have chosen to broaden their skills in medical cannabis prescribing. With this course, you can be part of improving treatment options for patients suffering from chronic conditions Australia wide.  Preview this course by watching the video above. Estimated Duration: 8 hours Access Duration: 12 months from date of purchase Learning Outcomes Upon completion of this module, you’ll be able to: Discuss the individual components of the cannabis plant Describe cannabis medicine options accurately Explain how the endocannabinoid system functions Assess the suitability of cannabis treatment for various chronic disease states Identify appropriate and inappropriate patient cohorts for medical cannabis treatment Discuss with patients about medical cannabis as a therapeutic option for symptom management Describe how to initiate, monitor and titrate cannabinoid medicines Apply critical safety considerations in patient-centred care Describe the role and responsibilities of pharmacists in relation to medical cannabis therapy Explain how pharmacists can educate patients on safe and effective use of medical cannabis Discuss how to collaborate with other healthcare providers to monitor patient outcomes and adjust treatment plans Describe requirements for storing medical cannabis Discuss quality control measures for medical cannabis products Explain the Australian regulatory frameworks surrounding medical cannabis provision Claim 17 CPD credits for eligible participants.

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

Medical cannabis use has expanded significantly in recent years,1 offering potential relief for many common conditions and symptoms such as chronic pain, nausea and vomiting, muscle spasms, sleep problems, epilepsy and some mental health conditions.2 While medical cannabis is generally considered to be "well tolerated," health practitioners and professionals must still maintain up-to-date knowledge on key considerations, including:3,4 Legislative contraindications and safety advice Potential adverse effects Drug-to-drug interactions Social and lifestyle impacts This module explores the safety profile and clinical contraindications of medical cannabis within the Australian healthcare setting. Designed for healthcare professionals, it covers key regulatory frameworks, TGA prescribing guidance, and access pathways. Learn to recognise when medical cannabis may be unsuitable, identify potential drug interactions, understand adverse effects, and address concerns such as cognitive impairment, dependence, and driving safety. By the end of this module, you'll be able to apply regulatory knowledge, assess patient suitability, and explain the physiological and behavioural effects associated with medical cannabis use. 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: Identify the primary regulatory bodies overseeing medical cannabis in Australia and explain their roles Explain the origins and scope of the TGA's prescribing guidance documents Describe the current status of medical cannabis products in Australia and identify the TGA's access pathways for unapproved goods Identify conditions for which medical cannabis is contraindicated and associated risks Recount TGA-recommended information to include in a clinical assessment Discuss potential drug-drug interactions in medical cannabis treatment and their underlying mechanisms Explain the safety profile of medical cannabis and potential side effects Describe how THC may affect driving safety and summarise the resulting legislation and guidelines Compare THC’s potential impact on driving with that of other substances Describe cannabis' addictive potential and highlight relevant research gaps in this area Detail the symptoms, mechanisms of action, and potential impacts of cannabis dependence and cannabis use disorder Describe the symptoms of cannabis withdrawal and consider possible treatment options Explain the potential cognitive effects of cannabis use References Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency. (2024, February 10). Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency - Regulators come together as one million Australians turn to medicinal cannabis treatments. Retrieved from www.ahpra.gov.au website: https://www.ahpra.gov.au/News/2024-02-20-medical-cannabis-treatment.aspx(Therapeutic Goods Administration, 2024) Therapeutic Goods Administration. (2024a, March 1). Medicinal cannabis: access pathways and usage data. Retrieved December 5, 2024, from Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) website: https://www.tga.gov.au/products/unapproved-therapeutic-goods/medicinal-cannabis-hub/medicinal-cannabis-access-pathways-and-usage-data#patient-access-via-the-special-access-scheme-sas-and-authorised-prescriber-ap-pathway Arnold, J. C. (2021). A primer on medicinal cannabis safety and potential adverse effects. Retrieved from Australian Journal of General Practice website: https://www1.racgp.org.au/ajgp/2021/june/a-primer-on-medicinal-cannabis-safety-and-potentiaTherapeutic Goods Administration, 2024b) Therapeutic Goods Administration. (2024b, November 28). Guidance for the use of medicinal cannabis in Australia: Overview. Retrieved from Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) website: https://www.tga.gov.au/resources/resource/reference-material/guidance-use-medicinal-cannabis-australia-overview

This microcredential offers healthcare professionals a comprehensive overview of medical cannabis, its pharmacological properties, and treatment options. Through a series of focussed modules, learners will gain a deep understanding of how cannabis interacts with the endocannabinoid system and its therapeutic potential.Modules Include: The Endocannabinoid System and Medical Cannabis – An Introduction Explore the foundational science behind medical cannabis and its interaction with the human body's endocannabinoid system. Understand key mechanisms of action that make cannabis a unique treatment option. Medical Cannabis Taxonomy, Genetics, Strains, and Compounds Delve into the biological diversity of cannabis. Learn about the taxonomy, genetics, and various strains, and examine the wide range of cannabinoids and terpenes that influence its therapeutic effects. Introduction to Medical Cannabis Products Gain an essential overview of medical cannabis products, covering their categorisation, administration methods, and key components like THC and CBD, including factors influencing the safety and efficacy of medical cannabis products, such as speed of onset, bioavailability, and duration of effects. Preview this module by watching the video above. Estimated Duration: 3 hours Access Duration: 12 months from date of purchase Learning Outcomes Upon completion of this microcredential, 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 Identify cannabis' taxonomic status Identify and discuss key components of strains and chemovars Identify key compounds in medical cannabis and explain their potential interactions and effects within the body Describe the factors that impact medical cannabis' effects within the body Explain how practitioners may adjust medical cannabis treatment to account for clinical and individual factors, risks and contraindications Define endogenous and exogenous cannabinoids 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

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 module explores the complexities of chronic pain and its management, with a focus on the potential role of medical cannabis. Learners will examine the factors influencing pain perception, the mechanisms of pain signaling, and the different aetiologies and pathophysiologies of pain. The module addresses the interplay between physical and psychosocial factors in the pain experience and the impacts of chronic pain on individuals and the Australian healthcare system. It also covers common treatment interventions, the therapeutic potential of medical cannabis for chronic pain and co-occurring conditions, and considerations for its use. Healthcare practitioners will gain insights into addressing barriers to medical cannabis treatment to support improved patient outcomes. 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: Identify the factors that affect an individual's experience of pain Explain the pain signalling process Identify different pain aetiologies and pathophysiologies Explain the interplay between physical and psychosocial factors in the pain experience Define chronic pain and explain its impacts on individuals and the Australian healthcare and social support systems Describe common treatment interventions for chronic pain Describe medical cannabis' therapeutic potential for treating chronic pain and common co-occurring conditions Identify general considerations for medical cannabis treatment Explain common barriers to medical cannabis treatment and how to address them

This module provides healthcare practitioners with a comprehensive understanding of the biological components of medical cannabis and their therapeutic potential. As cannabis becomes more widely accepted, it's essential to grasp how its taxonomy, strains, chemovars, and key compounds interact within the body to provide treatment benefits. Through this module, practitioners will learn how to identify cannabis' taxonomic status, discuss the key components of strains, and explain how cannabinoids and terpenes affect the body. You'll also explore the factors that influence cannabis' effects and how practitioners can adjust treatment to account for clinical and individual patient factors, risks, and contraindications. 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: Identify cannabis' taxonomic status Identify and discuss key components of strains and chemovars Identify key compounds in medical cannabis and explain their potential interactions and effects within the body Describe the factors that impact medical cannabis' effects within the body Explain how practitioners may adjust medical cannabis treatment to account for clinical and individual factors, risks and contraindications

In the current landscape, medical cannabis products are tightly regulated with stringent dispensing requirements. Medical cannabis dispensers (MCDs), and the businesses they represent, are responsible for adhering to all relevant legislation and policy while also implementing best practice dispensing for robust patient-centred care. This fundamental module equips pharmacists with the knowledge and skills to effectively fulfil their essential role in dispensing medical cannabis.  Beyond the technical aspects, pharmacists serve as key advocates for patient care, ensuring the safety, privacy, and well-being of patients throughout their medical cannabis journey. In this module, learners will explore methods to build trust with patients, provide comprehensive education on cannabis products, and ensure compliance with record-keeping and reporting standards. This module also emphasises the critical role of collaboration with healthcare teams to ensure safer, more effective treatment outcomes. 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: Identify the legal and ethical responsibilities of medical cannabis dispensers (MCDs) Implement respectful communication practices to educate and build safety, trust and rapport with patients Counsel patients on safe use of medical cannabis products – including dosage, titration, administration, storage and identifying and responding to side effects Explain how to store, monitor and maintain medical cannabis products securely Discuss pharmacists' record-keeping obligations when dispensing medical cannabis Collaborate with other health practitioners for a multidisciplinary approach to medical cannabis treatment