Medicinal Cannabis Australia The Endocannabinoid System In the past decade knowledge of the Endocannabinoid System (ECS) has slowly seeped out from the academic sphere into the public domain. In the 1980s and 1990s, a series of discoveries led scientists to identify the ECS as an integral part of not only human physiology, but also in a variety of other animal species.    Key components of the Endocannabinoid System The ECS comprises two G-coupled receptors, CB1 and CB2 that can be found systemically throughout the body. Plant-derived or exogenous (derived from outside the body ..read more

Medicinal Cannabis Australia How is plant-based medicine administered? As the ACT has made steps to decriminalise adult-use of cannabis for personal use in small amounts, there are once again discussions surrounding smoking and the associated harmful effects of ingesting it this way. Considering the long history of smoking in recreational settings, it is important to differentiate this from its medical and clinical applications.  Many international trials regarding cannabinoids have involved smoking or vaporising. This largely has to do with its history of inhalation as a means of in ..read more

Exploring Plant-Based Treatments for Prolonged Physical Pain and Intrusive Thoughts among Veterans Australia’s veterans face unique healthcare needs. These challenges demand personalised and multidisciplinary interventions, combining medical, psychological, and social support. Veterans have been known to seek relief through self-medication, including the use of plant-based medicine. However, it’s crucial to acknowledge that any medication, including plant-based products, should be pharmaceutical grade, quality checked and used under the careful guidance of medical professionals. A doctor’s mo ..read more

Disclaimer: All information below on medicinal cannabis and driving is not to be taken as medical or legal advice. If you are uncomfortable prescribing medicinal cannabis, you can refer your patient to CA Clinics via this form. We also offer team-care arrangements. In Victoria, new state laws are being proposed which would allow people to drive with medicinal cannabis detectable in their system. Among the proposed changes to the Road Safety Act could include it no longer being an offence for otherwise unimpaired drivers to have detectable tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) in their blood or oral flu ..read more

Medicinal Cannabis Australia What is the Entourage Effect? The Entourage Effect is the mechanism in which cannabinoids act synergistically with each other and numerous other compounds within the plant, such as terpenes, flavonoids and resins. The Entourage Effect was coined in the late 1990s by the famous Rafael Mechuolam, Shimon Ben-Shabat and their group of Israeli researchers.  The discovery of cannabinoids’ ability to enhance and compliment each other has led to advances in extraction and formulation strategies. While the term ‘Entourage Effect’ is primarily used in the plant-bas ..read more

What do terpenes do for plant-based medicine? Terpenes belong to a diverse group of compounds that are produced by a wide range of plants. These tiny compounds have found their own limelight as research into plant-based medicine has spread globally. Talk of terpenes internationally has to date largely centralised around the adult-use market, where “recreational” users may be familiar with them as agents that can potentially influence the effect of the psychoactive compounds. (Note in Australia, however, the adult, or “recreational” market remains illegal ) Yet the history and medicinal appli ..read more

Australia’s veterans present with unique healthcare needs, and when it comes to pain and discomfort from skin conditions, it’s important to look at all the treatment options available. We know that self-medicating with plant-based medicine occurs in Australia and within the veteran population. There can be risks of using any medicines, including plant-based products, without a doctor’s monitoring and it is of maximum importance that veterans can access quality, medically prescribed treatments, whatever they may be, where appropriate. Does the DVA cover plant-based medicine for skin condition ..read more

For some patients, the cannabinoid compounds in plant-based therapy can cause nausea or mild stomach discomfort. Other potential side effects can include drowsiness or dry mouth.  But while nausea is a potential side effect, you may have also heard it may be helpful for some people suffering symptoms of nausea. Let’s dive in and unpack the paradox of plant-based therapy and nausea. Can plant-based medicine cause nausea? For some people, plant-based medicine can cause nausea or mild stomach discomfort. Other potential side effects can include drowsiness or dry mouth. Generally, studies re ..read more

As nicotine vaping laws change in Australia and plant-based vape options expand in international markets, many questions are arising about legal prescription vaping of plant-based medicine in Australia.  Although the majority of plant-based medicine prescriptions in Australia use sublingual oils as a delivery method, vaporised inhalation still is one pathway that is prescribed for bioavailability and onset of action.  Many vaporisers used for the therapeutic application of plant-based treatment (when deemed medically appropriate) are large and non-portable. Discuss with your doctor ..read more

Plant-based medicine and pregnancy: what do we know? Plant-based medicine use during pregnancy is a topical issue for both practitioners and patients to address. As prescriptions increase around the globe, the necessity to have a deeper understanding of the impact and risks of cannabinoids on fertility, pregnancy and postnatal health is of supreme importance.  Plant-based medicine stats for Australian women Let’s putting aside prescription plant-based products for medical use for a moment and take a look at the stats for illicit substance use. Cannabis is the most frequently used illi ..read more