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 how medical cannabis interacts with the body and ensures its safe and effective administration.
What does pharmacokinetics involve in medical cannabis?
The pharmacokinetics of medical cannabis involves understanding the activity and speed of cannabinoids within the body, relating to their liberation, absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion – 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.
Frequency: How often cannabis is taken, which can impact the accumulation of cannabinoids and their effects.
Drug interactions: How cannabis interacts with other medications the patient is taking.
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.
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.
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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