Medicinal cannabis pharmacokinetics and potential methods of delivery

Cannabis Science and Therapeutics: An Overview for Clinicians

“…The absorption, distribution, and metabolism of each formulation and dosage determine the onset and duration of action of cannabis products. 94 Of these, absorption is the most variable due to the highly lipophilic nature of CBs and the different organ systems involved in consumption. 93,94 Pulmonary Inhalation is a highly favored route of administration, with 86.6% of cannabis users in 1 international survey indicating a preference for this method.…”

“…94 Of these, absorption is the most variable due to the highly lipophilic nature of CBs and the different organ systems involved in consumption. 93,94 Pulmonary Inhalation is a highly favored route of administration, with 86.6% of cannabis users in 1 international survey indicating a preference for this method. 93 Absorption of THC is rapid when inhaled, reaching mean peak concentrations at 6-10 minutes after smoking, with bioavailability ranging from 10% to 35%.…”

“…Smoking involves heating cannabis flower using combustion, converting the acidic form of THC into the active form via decarboxylation. 94 This process generates combustion by-products, carcinogens, and carbon monoxide, which can contribute to respiratory irritation, coughing, and bronchitis when used chronically. 97 Cancer and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease risk does not appear to be elevated in people who smoke only cannabis but may be elevated in people who combine tobacco and cannabis smoking.…”

“…Ingested cannabinoids take 1-6 hours to reach maximal plasma THC concentrations, with bioavailability ranging from 4% to 12%. 94 When taken orally, THC is absorbed through the gastrointestinal tract and transported to the liver, where it is metabolized into 11-OH-THC, a potent metabolite with increased psychoactivity. A second metabolite, 11-COOH-THC, which is not psychoactive, is stored in the lipid tissues for 30-90 days and gradually excreted in the urine.…”

An Individuality of Response to Cannabinoids: Challenges in Safety and Efficacy of Cannabis Products

“…The challenge is that different people may have distinct optimum dosages of cannabinoids, and the toxic doses can be largely varied. Thus, the Lower-Risk Cannabis Use Guidelines (LRCUG) for reducing health harms state, as a general precaution, that there is no universally safe level of cannabis use [ 112 ]. The only reliable way to avoid any risk of harm from using cannabis is to abstain from its use [ 112 ].…”