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Glossary

Pharmacokinetics

Sometimes abbreviated as PK, the study of pharmacokinetics analyses the movement of a drug through different parts of the body over a certain period of time. This field is essential for understanding medical products interact with the body and ensures safe and effective administration.

What does pharmacokinetics involve in medical cannabis?

 

The pharmacokinetics of medical cannabis involves understanding the activity of cannabinoids within the body, relating to their liberation (the release of the drug), absorption (when the drug enters the bloodstream after liberation), distribution (once absorbed, the drug is transported by the bloodstream to tissues and organs where it exerts its therapeutic effect), metabolism (the body’s process of chemically altering the drug, usually in the liver, into compounds that are easier to excrete), and excretion (the drug and its metabolites are eliminated from the body) – also known as LADME.

 

What factors influence the pharmacokinetics of medical cannabis?

 

The pharmacokinetics of medical cannabis can depend on several factors, including:

  • Dosage: The amount of cannabis administered, which affects the concentration of cannabinoids in the bloodstream.
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  • Frequency: How often cannabis is taken, which can impact the accumulation of cannabinoids and their effects.
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  • Drug interactions: How cannabis interacts with other medications the patient is taking.
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  • Type of medication: The form of cannabis used, such as oils, edibles, or vaporised flower (or oil) can affect absorption and distribution in the body.
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  • Route of administration: The way cannabis is administered, whether it is ingested, inhaled, or applied topically, can impact its absorption and distribution in the body.
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  • Personal factors: Characteristics such as age, gender, body mass index (BMI), genetic makeup, liver and kidney function, and overall health can all impact how cannabinoids are processed by the body.
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To find out if you are eligible for medical cannabis treatment in the UK, check out our fast and free medical cannabis eligibility checker.

If you would like to learn more about medical cannabis in the UK, Releaf is here to help. In addition to this medical cannabis glossary, we have an extensive blog and education hub to explore, both filled with resources that UK medical cannabis patients, prescribers, and educators have been asking for.