Core Knowledge for Clinical Practice

Designed for clinicians and prescribers, this comprehensive course delves into the key clinical aspects of medical cannabis.

You will explore the pharmacology of medical cannabis and its interaction with the endocannabinoid system, examine the range of available product formulations, and understand critical safety protocols. The course provides practical, evidence-based insights into patient selection, prescribing, titration, and ongoing monitoring.

What will you learn?

By the end of this course you will be able to:

  • Assess patient eligibility, identifying key contraindications and risk factors.
  • Explain the pharmacokinetics of medical cannabis, including absorption, metabolism, and drug-drug interactions.
  • Select appropriate formulations (oils, dried flower, pastilles) based on clinical need.
  • Apply the “start low, go slow” principle to dosing and titration strategies.
  • Manage patient safety, including adverse events, driving guidance, and shared care.

Who is this for?

  • Prescribers (Doctors, NMPs)
  • Pharmacists
  • Nurses
  • Clinical support staff
  • Healthcare professionals seeking practical prescribing knowledge

What’s included?

  • Interactive lessons on products, pharmacology, and safety.
  • Detailed dosing and titration guides for specific formulations.
  • Visual guides to pharmacokinetics and drug interactions.
  • Scenario-based clinical assessment to test decision-making.
  • Downloadable reference resources.
  • [[CPD]]tracking and certificate of completion

Lessons in this course

1.

Products & Formulations

Explore the practical aspects of medical cannabis products. Understand the regulatory landscape, quality standards, and the distinct characteristics of key formulations including oils, dried flower, and pastilles.
The Regulatory Landscape Product Standards & Terminology Product Types & Administration Routes Understanding Δ9-THC [[and_CPD]] Ratios
2.

Pharmacology and the Endocannabinoid System

Take a deep dive into the pharmacological properties of medical cannabis. Understand how phytocannabinoids interact with receptor targets, and the critical principles of absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion (ADME).

Phytocannabinoid Action & Receptors

Pharmacokinetics: Absorption & Distribution

Pharmacokinetics: Metabolism & Excretion

Effect on Liver Enzymes

3.

Safety Profile & Risk Management

Master the evidence-based knowledge required for safe patient care. Learn to identify and manage adverse events, assess contraindications, navigate drug-drug interactions, and provide guidance on pregnancy and driving.

Adverse Events & Toxicity

Contraindications Framework

Drug-Drug Interactions

Dependence & Withdrawal

Pregnancy & Driving Guidance

4.

Prescribing & Clinical Management

Focus on the practical application of your knowledge. Learn the general principles of prescribing, how to choose between formulations, and specific technical guidance for dosing, titration, and ongoing monitoring.

Patient Selection & Eligibility

Choosing a Formulation: Inhaled vs. Oral

Dosing & Titrating Dried Flower

Dosing & Titrating Oils and Pastilles

Patient Monitoring & Registries

5.

The Patient Pathway: A Clinical Assessment

Apply your clinical knowledge to real-world scenarios. This final module challenges you to make evidence-based prescribing decisions for two distinct patient profiles, from initial assessment to ongoing management.

Scenario 1: Chronic Pain & Anxiety

Scenario 2: Insomnia & Psychiatric History

Decision Making: Eligibility & Safety

Decision Making: Dosing & Titration

Other available modules

Alongside this course, the Foundations of Medical Cannabis pathway includes additional courses that expand on history, biology, and clinical practice. Each is short, [[CPD_ACCREDITED_COMMA]]and designed to build confidence step by step.