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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

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.

Twenty-six-year-old Lexi has primary vaginismus that causes vaginal spasming and burning in the vaginal canal during penetration. As a result, Lexi is unable to use tampons and has developed secondary anxiety around sexual intercourse. Lexi has trialled several first-line treatments, but none were suitable due to lack of efficacy and/or Lexi's work schedule. Lexi continues to experience vaginal pain during sex. In this case study, we explore how Dr. Xie prescribed medical cannabis products to reduce Lexi's pain and ease her anxiety towards sexual intercourse. Preview this case study by watching the video above. Estimated Duration: 1 hour Access Duration: 12 months from date of purchase Learning Outcomes Upon completion of this case study, you’ll be able to: Explain the pathophysiology of vaginismus and identify common management strategies  Discuss the potential benefits and limitations of medical cannabis as a treatment option for symptoms of vaginismus  Identify suitable candidates for medical cannabis treatment Facilitate clinical discussions with patients around medical cannabis as a therapeutic option in the management of vaginismus  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.

In Australia, the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) regulates the approval and monitoring of medications to ensure their quality, safety, and efficacy.¹ However, many medical cannabis products are classified as unapproved goods, as they have not undergone TGA evaluation. This module provides a detailed overview of the TGA's Authorised Prescriber Scheme, which enables registered medical practitioners to apply for the authority to prescribe unapproved medical cannabis products to multiple patients.² Learners will gain a clear understanding of the regulatory framework, the application process, and the responsibilities involved in prescribing unapproved medical cannabis products. This module is designed to equip healthcare practitioners with the knowledge to navigate the scheme effectively and confidently integrate medical cannabis into patient care when appropriate. 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: Clarify the purpose of the Australian Register of Therapeutic Goods (ARTG) Outline the categories of unregistered therapeutic goods Identify and explain the regulated access pathways for unapproved goods Summarise the purpose and eligibility criteria for each category of the Special Access Scheme (SAS), including SAS-A, SAS-B, and SAS-C Identify the information required for a SAS-B application Identify the main categories of medical cannabis products based on their CBD and THC content Summarise the purpose and main characteristics of each Authorised Prescriber Scheme pathway Apply to become an authorised prescriber and fulfil reporting obligations Discuss prescribing practitioner considerations and obligations for providing medical cannabis treatment References ¹ Therapeutic Goods Administration. “Prescribe an Unapproved Therapeutic Good (Health Practitioners).” Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA), 14 Dec. 2022, www.tga.gov.au/products/unapproved-therapeutic-goods/prescribe-unapproved-therapeutic-good-health-practitioners. ² Therapeutic Goods Administration. Unapproved products for multiple patients (Authorised Prescriber). Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA). Published July 14, 2023. Accessed November 28, 2024. https://www.tga.gov.au/services/unapproved-products-multiple-patients-authorised-prescriber

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