Exploring the endocannabinoid system: A framework for understanding medicinal cannabis in Australia

This practical advanced course will comprehensively explore the ECS and its implications in patients with migraine, fibromayalgia, irritable bowel syndrome and other treatment resistant syndromes, before investigating the two major cannabinoids, tetrahydrocannabidiol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD) to delve into their characteristics and clinical applications.

The course is presented by Dr Jim Connell, a GP that has been treating patients with cannabis medicine since 2018.

You will learn how to address real-world concerns of GPs including cannabis use disorder and stigma, and the processes and procedures surrounding medicinal cannabis prescribing in Australia as you work through case studies addressing patients with chronic pain and anxiety.

On completion of this education activity participants will be able to:

• Outline the endocannabinoid system and its involvement in physiological processes
• Compare the pharmacological effects of the two main cannabinoids, delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD)
• Assess the evidence on the use of medicinal cannabis for various indications – chronic pain, anxiety and insomnia
• Utilise the practical aspects of prescribing medicinal cannabis in Australia, including the four TGA prescribing pathways
• Discuss real-world issues faced by patients and healthcare professionals regarding the use of medicinal cannabis.

This activity is sponsored by Medreleaf Australia.