FAQs

Here are answers to some of the frequently asked questions about medicinal cannabis and our company.

Basic facts about medicinal cannabis

What is the endocannabinoid system?

The endocannabinoid system is a signalling system in the body. Activation or inhibition of the system is of particular importance to our cognitive functions, inflammation, blood pressure and digestion. The endocannabinoid system is not unique to humans - all animals have a similar system.

The endocannabinoid system consists of the receptor types CB1 and CB2 and their ligands, referred to as 2-AG and Anandamide. The ligands are formed and degraded again by a number of enzymes, which are also considered to be part of the endocannabinoid system.

What is the difference between THC and CBD?

Cannabinoids are the active compounds found within cannabis. The two most commonly discussed cannabinoids are THC and CBD.

THC (Δ-9-tetrahydrocannabinol) is the main active ingredient within cannabis. THC is responsible for many of the pharmacological effects of cannabis, including the psychoactive effect. CBD (cannabidiol) is the second most prominent compound within cannabis. CBD is not known to cause the noticeable intoxicating, euphoric effects that THC does.

Production and Quality Assurance

How is medicinal cannabis produced?

All Spectrum Therapeutics products are manufactured to comply with the TGA's Therapeutic Goods Order 93. The content of the active substances is measured and guaranteed, and the end product undergoes a number of quality checks.

Random monthly pesticide tests occur at all our sites as well as systematic pesticide testing on every product produced at newly acquired facilities and all third-party partners. The pesticide testing regime includes testing for over 96 pesticides (EP 2.8.13).

What is decarboxylation?

To be effective, cannabinoids need to be heat-activated in a process called decarboxylation. Decarboxylation means that THCA and CBDA (inactive precursors) are converted to THC and CBD.

Medicinal Cannabis Considerations

Is it dangerous to smoke cannabis?

The burning of the cannabis plant releases toxic and carcinogenic substances, including carbon monoxide, tar and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons. These substances can have negative health effects. It is therefore not recommended to smoke cannabis.

Is it safe to drive after the consumption of medicinal cannabis?

Patients using any medicinal cannabis products should seek their doctor’s advice before driving or operating machinery due to the risk of experiencing drowsiness. While drowsiness is not a known side effect of CBD alone , it may occur if the CBD interacts other medications. Some medicinal cannabis products may also include tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), in which case there is a strict ban on driving and operating machinery.

Reference: Medicinal Cannabis Products; Patient Information. Therapeutics Goods Administration

How can you access medicinal cannabis in Australia?

With the exception of one product (Nabiximols), medicinal cannabis products are not registered medicines in Australia, and none are subsidised through the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS), so they can only be accessed through special pathways available for unapproved medicines. Medicinal cannabis can only be prescribed by a registered medical practitioner after a thorough assessment to decide if the treatment is appropriate for the patient’s condition and individual circumstances. 

Reference: Medicinal Cannabis Products; Patient Information. Therapeutics Goods Administration

What are the side effects of medicinal cannabis?

Like all medicines, medicinal cannabis products can have side effects. These may include:

  • Fatigue and sedation
  • Feelings of euphoria (intense happiness)
  • Vertigo
  • Nausea and vomiting or depression
  • Fever
  • Confusion
  • Appetite increase
  • Hallucinations or decreased paranoid delusions
  • Dry mouth
  • Psychosis or cognitive distortion (having untrue thoughts)
  • Diarrhea

The extent of side effects can vary with the type of medicinal cannabis product and between individuals.

Reference: Medicinal Cannabis Products; Patient Information. Therapeutics Goods Administration

Terms and definitions

Here is a list of definitions of terms related to medicinal cannabis.

Cannabinoids are naturally occurring compounds found in the Cannabis plant. The most studied of these compounds is delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ9-THC), which is the main psychoactive ingredient in cannabis and CBD, the main non-intoxicating compound.

CB1 and CB2 receptors are in the endocannabinoid system and are the primary targets in the body for medicinal cannabis.

CBD (cannabidiol) is an isomer of THC but does not impart the same intoxicating effects as THC – even in large amounts.

In order to activate the THC and CBD in the cannabis flowers, the cannabinoids must undergo a process called decarboxylation. THC and CBD have a different molecular structure when they are in the plant. Decarboxylation means that THCA and CBDA (acidic precursors) are converted to THC and CBD, and carbon dioxide (CO2) is given off as a by-product. By heating the cannabis flower to over 105°C, the substances are decarboxylated and the cannabinoids are activated. Heating by smoking is a combustion at 600–900°C producing toxic byproducts; 30–50% of active ingredients is lost to ‘side-stream’ smoke. Smoking medicinal cannabis is not recommended.

Flowers from the cannabis plant are cut, trimmed clean of leaves and dried at a low temperature and low humidity. These flowers are used to produce medicinal cannabis.

The original name for synthetic THC and has been adopted by many health regulators and the WHO as the non-proprietary name for THC regardless of source.

The endocannabinoid system is a signalling system in the body. Activation or inhibition of the system is of particular of importance to our cognitive functions, inflammation, blood pressure and digestion. The endocannabinoid system is not unique to humans - all animals have a similar system.

Molecules formed in the body which affect the endocannabinoid receptors. Two endocannabinoids are formed in the human body: Anandamide and 2-AG (2-Arachidonoylglycerol).

Possible synergy effect arising from several active compounds affecting the endocannabinoid system at the same time. This effect may also explain why varieties of cannabis work differently, even though the THC and CBD contents are the same.

A extemporaneous preparation of cannabis is made by a pharmacy. It is made specifically for each patient based on a prescription from a doctor.

Molecules capable of binding to a receptor.

Another word for dried cannabis flowers.

Medicines derived from the cannabis plant.

Naturally occurring cannabinoids in cannabis plants (‘phyto’) which affect the endocannabinoid system.

Substances which affect the brain.

Receptors are found in cells throughout the body. They react to signals in the form of active substances and transmit a response. We have many different receptors in the body which are responsive to specific signals, e.g. the cannabinoid receptors CB1 and CB2, which respond to cannabinoids.

Variants of the cannabis plant.

THC (delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol) is a psychoactive cannabinoid, which is known for having euphoric effects if cannabis is consumed in large doses. THC acts as an agonist on both the CB1 and CB2 receptors in the endocannabinoid system.

Aromatic compounds which are formed in many plants, including cannabis. Terpenes contribute to the scent and taste of the plant. It is hypothesised that some terpenes can affect the body, either on their own or through an entourage effect. Examples of frequently occurring terpenes are myrcene, limonene and pinene.

Approved medical device for inhalation of medicinal cannabis (dried flowers).