Medicinal cannabis pharmacokinetics and potential methods of delivery

Abstract

The evidence of cannabis exhibiting polypharmacological properties has been accumulating for the past few decades, particularly for its analgesic and anti-inflammatory abilities. However, inconsistent dosage forms and erratic absorption levels prevent medicinal cannabis products from becoming mainstream recommendations for pain management. Current cannabis products fail to address the undesirable characteristics associated with cannabinoids such as low solubility, poor bioavailability, and lack of specificity, all of which contribute to low therapeutic effect. In this narrative view, the pharmacokinetics of cannabis products and possible methods of drug delivery, in the form of carrier systems, will be explored. The incorporation of cannabinoids into carrier systems provides an opportunity to improve absorption levels, increase bioavailability and reduce adverse events allowing for a greater therapeutic effect.

Keywords:

• Cannabis
• cannabinoids
• pharmacokinetics
• drug delivery systems
• nanotechnology
• carrier systems

Acknowledgements

I would like to offer my special thanks to my supervisors, Dr. Ali Seyfoddin and Dr. Seyedehsara Masoomi Dezfooli for their unconditional support and valuable assistance throughout my research journey. Dr. Seyfoddin has not only been a tremendous help in the construction and development of this research project but was also a source of motivation. Dr. Dezfooli has been a great help in both practical lab setting and in providing important recommendations and corrections for my written work. I am also extremely grateful for the staff at AUT for their contribution in building my confidence and knowledge within this field of research. This research did not receive any specific grant from funding agencies in the public, commercial, or not-for-profit sectors.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).