Cannabis Based Products for Medicinal Use (CPBM)
posted 13th August 2023
There are over 100 different phytocannabinoids found within the cannabis plant including cannabidiol (CBD), cannabigerol (CBD) and cannabinol (CBN) however delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ9-THC) is the main psychoactive phytocannabinoid that causes the well-known "high".
Endocannabinoids are synthesized within the human body and are defined as endogenous ligands of the cannabinoid receptors (CB1 and CB2) found within the endocannabinoid system that plays a role in the regulation of several physiological conditions and numerous diseases.
Across the world cannabis-based products for medicinal use (CBPM) are being used to support a reduction or cessation of opioid use for pain management, with evidence showing that CBPM can be used as an opioid-sparing substitute.
Solventless extraction methods, while not the most efficient, are deemed the safest method for phytocannabinoid extraction, commonly utilising various applications of ice water, mechanical shearing of trichomes, applying heat and pressure to trichomes to push them through a filter, or other concentrates without the use of hydrocarbons or alcohols. However, supercritical CO2 is a non-toxic, environmentally friendly solvent that avoids the potential hazards and safety issues of common solvents, such as butane, ethanol or propane.
Patients can drive while on a CBPM prescription plan however, there is a zero-tolerance 'accidental exposure' approach to THC with a threshold limit of 2µg/L in the blood. THC can be detected in the blood days after the dose, so it is a good idea for the patient to carry a copy of their prescription at all times. If a patient is charged with drug driving but has a prescription, they may have a full defence to the allegation, for more info readSection5AoftheRoadTrafficAct1998