final medical cannabis - memberclicks cannabis tablet view… · medical cannabis … clinical and...
TRANSCRIPT
Medical Cannabis … Clinical and Legal Considerations
Christine Roussel, PharmD, BCOPDirector of Pharmacy, Doylestown Hospital
Disclosures
• No financial Disclosures Relevant to the Cannabis Industry
• Program Director, Medical Cannabis Education Course, Philadelphia College of Pharmacy, University of the Sciences
Outline
• Endocannabinoid System
• Cannabis Pharmacology and Formulations
• Clinical Considerations and Adverse Effects
• Legal Considerations Photo by C.Roussel
Pharmacist Objectives
1. Describe key features of the endocannabinoid system, pharmacology, and non-cannabinoid components of cannabis.
2. Outline dosage forms, pharmacokinetics, potential adverse effects and adverse effects including use disorder.
3. Discuss medical cannabis risk versus benefits and patient counseling opportunities.
4. Review federal cannabis law and possible conflicts between state and federal law.
Pharmacy Technician Objectives
1. Describe main components of cannabis and their pharmacology.
2. List dosage forms available and how they work differently.
3. Describe adverse effects associated with medical cannabis and identify resources for more information.
4. Review federal regulations and their conflict with state medical and recreational marijuana laws.
Disclaimer
• Cannabis is currently not FDA approved for any condition.
• Cannabis is currently DEA Schedule 1 (Federal) under the Controlled Substance Act of 1970.
• No currently acceptable medical use• High Potential for abuse
• Investigational use only– IND applications must receive triple agency approvals:
National Institute of Drug Abuse (NIDA) / DEA / FDA– Product for Federal Research is Sole Source through NIDA
(Unless Import permission is granted)
Cannabinoids as antioxidants and neuroprotectants
US Government Owns Patent
“Cannabinoids are found to have particular application as neuroprotectants, for example limiting neurological damage following ischemic insults, such as stroke and trauma, or in the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson’s disease and HIV dimension”
7https://patents.google.com/patent/US6630507B1/en - Worth Reading!!!!
U.S. Government Grows Cannabis and Supplies it to Patients
1977 – 1993 Federal Compassionate IND (n=13) Grown by University of Mississippi & NIDA
8Pictures by Irvin Rosenfield, author My Medicine. Used with Permission.
Nerve Communication
https://www.shmoop.com/animal-systems/nervous-system.html
Presynaptic Neuron
Postsynaptic Neuron
1. Neurotransmitters Synthesized and stored in vesicles until ready to release
2. Neurotransmitter Binding to Corresponding Receptor
3. Initiates Downstream Effects
Neuro SignalTransmissionAcross the Synaptic Cleft
Image by C. Roussel
• Glutamate• GABA • Acetylcholine• Norepinephrine• Dopamine• 5-HT3• Cholecystokinin
Presynaptic Neuron
Postsynaptic Neuron
2. Endocannabinoids (Anandamide, 2-AG)Synthesized on demand for immediate release
3. Binding at the CB1 Receptor stabilizes vesicles to decrease neurotransmitter release
Neurotransmitter Signaling
Endocannabinoid Signaling is Retrograde Inhibition
1. Too much activity
Image by C. Roussel
CB1 Receptors
Originally publication: Burns, et al. [18F]MK-9470, a positron emission tomography (PET) tracer for in vivo human PET brain imaging of the cannabinoid-1 receptor. PNAS June 5, 2007 vol. 104 no. 23. Pg. 9800–9805 © [2007] All rights reserved. Reprinted with permission."Shohami E and Horowitz M (ed). Cannabinoids in Health and Disease. Themed special issue, Journal of Basic and Clinical Physiology and Pharmacology 2016; 27(3).
CB1 – Primarily in Brain• NOT significant in brainstem (RR,HR)
Other Locations• Adipocytes • Endocrine and Exocrine Glands• Liver• Heart, Vascular Smooth Muscle Cells
Cannabinoid Pharmacology in CNS● Parasympathetic ● Anti-Nociceptive ● Neuroprotection● Neuroplasticity
Human brain after injection of radio tracer to show the regional distribution of CB1R
12
"Originally publication: Ahmad R,, et al. 2016 Whole-body bio-distribution and radiation dosimetry of the cannabinoid type 2 receptor ligand [11C]-NE40 in healthy subjects. Mol Imaging Biol. 2013 Aug;15(4):384-90© [2013]All rights reserved. Reprinted with permission."
13
CB2 Receptors• Signally ↓ release of activators and
sensitizersImmunomodulation:• Monocytes and Macrophages
• B-cells and T-cellsLiver, Spleen, Tonsils
Central & Enteric Nervous SystemEndocrine and Exocrine Glands
Medical Cannabis vs MarijuanaCannabis sativa
• Plant reliably grown and handled
• Good Manufacturing Practices
• Assayed, Labeled and Dated for cannabinoids and terpene content
• Proven absence of typical contaminants:
Pictures from www.Steephill.com/science. All rights reserved. Reproduced with permission
• Mold / Yeast• Pesticides• Heavy Metals• Residual Solvents 14
Cannabis Sativa
Hemp – Fiber TypeTall, thick stalk
Fiber Oil Food / Feed
Drug Type (aka Cannabis , Marijuana )
THC + Cannabinoids Terpenes
Industrial Hemp: stalk and seeds are used for textiles, paper, food, detergents, building materials (excludes flower)THC Content < 0.3 – 1.5%Not Scheduled
Cannabis / Marijuana: medicinal / recreational use of cannabinoidsTHC content – 5 – 15+%DEA Controlled Substance
Same Plant –With Different Chemovars
Seed to Sale Tracking
16Pictures by C. Roussel
CO2 Extraction
Pictures by C. Roussel
“Genetic tools weed out misconceptions of strain reliability in Cannabis sativa”
No consistent genetic differentiation between the widely held perceptions of Sativa and Indica Cannabis types.
Instances were found where samples within strains are not genetically similar.
Schwabe A and McGlaughlin M. Genetic tools weed out misconceptions of strain reliability in 1 Cannabis sativa: Implications for a budding industry. bioRxiv preprint first posted online May. 28, 2018. NOT PEER REVIEWED 18
Cannabis: Entourage Effect
CBDcannabidiol
THCtetrahydro-cannabinol
THC-ATetrahydro-cannabinolic
acid
CBCCannabi-
chromene
CBNCannabinol
CBGcannabigerol
PineneLimonene
Myrcene Linalool
ß-Caryo-phyllene
+THCVTetrahydro-cannabivarin Linalool
CannabinoidsFlavonoidsLipidsTerpenesSterols
19
Endocannabinoids (Anandamide, 2-AG)
CB1
Image by C. Roussel
• Partial Agonist of CB1 and CB2• Euphoria• Analgesia (primary Pain relief molecule)• Muscle Relaxant• Anxiolytic (low dose) -> Anxiogenic (higher doses)
TETRAHYDROCANNABINOL (THC)
Image by C. Roussel
TETRAHYDROCANNABINOL (THC)
ADVERSE EFFECTS
Psychoactivity vs Psychotoxicity• Impaired cognition• Difficulty concentrating• Memory Impairment
Dizziness, Weakness Increase risk of fallsTachycardiaVasodilation, HypotensionAddiction (1 in 10 chronic recreational users)Hypothermia
Caution in patients with unstable mental health conditions (especially bipolar disorder and schizophrenia).
Image by C. Roussel
• Enhances natural endocannabinoid activity • inhibits anandamide hydrolysis• Agonist at 5-HT (anti-nausea) and TRPV1
(Pain relief)• Potent Immune Modulator = Strong
Anti-Inflammatory Activity• Anti-seizure• Neuroprotective• Decrease negative effects of THC (anxiety,
memory impairment, psychoactivity)
Cannabidiol (CBD)
Negative Allosteric Modification
Image by C. Roussel
Cannabidiol (CBD)ADVERSE EFFECTSDiarrheaHeadacheSuppress AppetiteStimulating (trouble sleeping) …. …..SomnolenceDrug Interactions
World Health Organization: Cannabidiol Critical Review
TERPENES
25
LINALOOLSedative
AnxiolyticAnalgesic
Modulate GABA and Glutamate
MYRCENEAnalgesic
Anti-Inflammatory via PGE-2
Anti-ConvulsantSkeletal Muscle Relaxant
ß CARYOPHYLLENESelect CB2 Agonist
AnalgesicGastric Protective
Anti-Inflammatory via PGE-1
Russo, E. B. (2011). Taming THC: potential cannabis synergy and phytocannabinoid-terpenoid entourage effects. Br.J.Pharmacol. 163: 1344-1364.
PINENEAnti-Inflammatory
BronchodilatorAcetylcholinesterase
Inhibitor (Aids memory)
THC Inhalation
Bioavailability is Variable due to smoking dynamics (10 – 60%)• Depth of inhalation• Duration of Breath Holding• Temp of Vaporizer
Good For Titration and break through because of rapid effects
Import to Teach:• Patient Proper Technique• To wait 5 -10 minutes between
inhalations during titrationHuestis M. Human Cannabinoid Pharmacokinetics. Chem Biodivers. 2007 August ; 4(8): 1770–1804.MacCullum C and Russo E. Practical considerations in medical cannabis administration and dosing. European Journal of Internal Medicine. 49 (2018) 12-19.
Typical Onset 0 – 10 minDuration 2- 4 hours
Cannabis (THC) Oral Administration
• Onset 30 – 120 min • ↑ Inter/Intra Patient Variable Absorption • Absorption ↑ w/ high fat meal
• Duration 4 – 8 hours • *Up to 24 hours dose dependent• Lower Peak [THC]• ↑ [11-Hydroxy-THC]
– Longer T1/2 – More potent analgesic activity– More lipophilic
Huestis M. Human Cannabinoid Pharmacokinetics. Chem Biodivers. 2007 August ; 4(8): 1770–1804.MacCullum C and Russo E. Practical considerations in medical cannabis administration and dosing. European Journal of Internal Medicine. 49 (2018) 12-19.
After Administration of 2.5 mg Dronabinol
Oral Mucosal Products
Bypasses Liver MetabolismOnset 15 – 60 mins
Inhalation
MacCullum C and Russo E. Practical considerations in medical cannabis administration and dosing. European Journal of Internal Medicine. 49 (2018) 12-19. Dustin Sulak, Heaer.com
• higher doses that exceed therapeutic threshold in most patients
• poor ability to dose
Don’t confuse Recreational and Medical.
• delivers smaller doses • able to measure dose
More Appropriate for Medicinal Use
CBD Routes of AdministrationOral CBD
• bioavailability is between 13% and 19%• significant first-pass metabolism• absorption ↑ w/ high fat meal• sublingual
Aerosolized CBD • rapid peak plasma concentrations in 5–10 minutes • higher bioavailability than oral administration
Rectal or Vaginal Suppositories• Increased bioavailability: higher absorption + less first pass metabolism
TopicalHuestis M. Human Cannabinoid Pharmacokinetics. Chem Biodivers. 2007 August ; 4(8): 1770–1804.WHO 2018 Cannabidiol Critical Review
Considerations in Dosing … Patient Self-Titration
Start Low, Go SlowSub-psychoactive dosingCannabis Sensitization
Higher Doses -> Increased ADRs Possible Decrease in efficacy
Finding Optimal Dose“The Sweet Spot”Minimal Side Effects
Dose
31
Rooted in the Concept:Less is Really More!
Want up regulation of Endocannabiniod receptors…. (not down regulation)
Patient Education
Medical Goals of Therapy:
Symptom Management vs. Disease Modification
- Nausea / Vomiting- Appetite- Anxiety / Depression
- Pain- Spasticity- Inflammation- Sleep Disorders
THC: CBD Chemotypes or Ratios
THC-predominant Ex. 50:1, 19:1, 16:1
Balanced = Intermediate Ex. 1:1, 4:1Psychoactivity
33
Psychoactivity is Dose Dependent and can be affected by tolerance and setting.CBD-dominant
Ex. CBD Only, 1:>20
Average [THC] in DEA specimens 1995 - 2014
Elsohly MA, et al. Changes in Cannabis Potency over the Last Two Decades (1995-2014) - Analysis of Current Data in the United States. Biol Psychiatry. 2016 April 1; 79(7): 613–619. doi:10.1016/j.biopsych.2016.01.004.
“All things are poisons, for there is nothing without poisonous qualities. It is only the dose which makes a thing poison.” – Paracelsus
ECS and the Gastrointestinal TractECS regulates energy balance & food intake, acting both in brain & GI tract
•Anandamide (AEA) is mediator of hunger in intestines
•Starvation increases AEA levels & CB1 expression
•THC increases food uptake via CB1 activation
Anandamide on CB receptors in adipose tissue stimulates lipogenesis.Increased adiposity, insulin resistance
Inhibit nausea and vomiting
35National Academy of Science, 2017
Handbook of Cannabis and Related Pathologies. Chapter 45 Cannabis, Cannabinoids, and Visceral Pain by R. Abalo, M. Isabel Martin-Fontelles
36
ECS in the Gastrointestinal Tract and affects of Cananbinioids
CBD = targets upregulated CB2 receptors• Anti-inflammatory• Control fluid accumulation• ** controls hunger **
Handbook of Cannabis and Related Pathologies. Chapter 45 Cannabis, Cannabinoids, and Visceral Pain by R. Abalo, M. Isabel Martin-Fontelles and National Academy of Science, 2017
THC = Direct activation of CB 1 receptors • Analgesia• ↓ gastric acid secretion • ↓ contractility • ↓ motility• ↓ formation of gastric mucosal lesions through
enhanced intestinal epithelial barrier functions• Stimulates hunger sensation
Cannabis Hyperemesis Syndrome• THC and CBD both have antiemetic properties low doses … but high
doses associated with…..
• Cyclic periods of vomiting and, often, epigastric pain.• Improvement by hot showering or bathing
• Typically remitted within 2–3 days after cessation of cannabis.
• Possible resistant to usual antiemetics• consider haloperidol or lorazepam
• Fluid and electrolyte replacement
Handbook of Cannabis and Related Pathologies Cannabis. Chapter 48 Hyperemesis Syndrome. Bonnet, U.
CANNABIS IN PATIENT CAREENDOCANNABINOIDS IN THE RESPIRATORY SYSTEM
• National Academy of Science. (2017). The Health Effects of Cannabis and Cannabinoids: The Current State of Evidence and Recommendations for Research.• Preedy, V. (2017). Handbook of Cannabis and Related Pathologies (1st ed.). Oxford, UK: Academic Press, Elsevier.
Short-term (Acute) cannabis smokingBronchodilation and consistent • Improve specific airway conductance• ↑ peak flow measurements• ↑ forced expiratory volume (FEV1)• Reverse bronchospasm in
methacholine challenges
Dries mucous membranes of mouth and nasal passages
Smoke may irritate large air passages of lungs, throat, windpipe
Heavy habitual smokers of cannabis alone• Symptoms of chronic bronchitis (cough
and sputum)• Histopathological bronchial mucosa
abnormalities (destruction of ciliated epithelial cells, increase mucus secreting surface epithelial cells)
• Not associated with increased lung cancer
Cardio-pulmonary exchange transfers cannabinoids to blood then brain
Cardiovascular Effects of “Marijuana”
39
Hypotension
Pacher, et al. Nature Reviews Cardiology, 2017; Kattoor, Marijuana and Coronary Heart Disease, ACC Expert Analysis Online, 2016.
↑ SYMPATHETIC STIMULATION
SUPINE ↑ SYSTOLIC AND DIASTOLIC BLOOD PRESSURE
↓ Time to ANGINA
ORTHOSTATIC HYPOTENSION
Pacher P, et al. Cardiovascular effects of and synthetic cannabinoids: The good, the bad and the ugly, Nature Reviews Cardiology, Online 2017 SeptKattoor A, et al Marijuana and Coronary Heart Disease. ACC Expert Analysis Online, 2016 Sept 22
4.8-fold higher risk of MI within first hour after Inhaling Product• 124 / 3882 patient cohort
• Patients with history of MI, marijuana use > once a week associated with 3 x ↑ Risk of Death
Increased CVD in cannabis users• 316,397 of > 20 million
Marijuana not associate with increased CVD• 4286 with h/o marijuana use
Bradycardia(chronic)
Increased Risk of Myocardial Infarction with Inhaled Cannabis Population Analysis
SELECT PHYTOCANNABINOIDS
41
Cannabinoid Areas of Investigation
CBD-A Cannabidiolic acid Anti-emetic, anti-anxiety
THC-A Tetrahydrocannabinolic acidAnti-inflammatory effects via antagonism of tissue necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α); anti-emetic, anti-convulsant, clinical trial on-going for diabetes
CBN Cannabinol 1/10th the psychoactive potency, sedative, antibacterial, inhibition of keratinocytes in psoriasis
CBC Cannabichromene anti-inflammatory, anti-fungal, anandamide reuptake inhibitor
CBG Cannabigerol DGABA uptake inhibitor, antibacterial, inhibition of keratinocytes in psoriasis
Russo, E. B. (2011). Taming THC: potential cannabis synergy and phytocannabinoid-terpenoid entourage effects. Br.J.Pharmacol. 163: 1344-1364.
Synthetic Cannabinioids(ie. K2, Spice, Crazy Monkey, Chill Out)
• Developed to study the endocannabinoid system
• Up to 200 times more potent that plant based cannabis products• Extreme Potency = Extreme Toxicities
• Vaporizers, E-cigarettes, plant products sprayed with chemicals to burn
• 2015 – 7,797 toxic exposures reported• 25% of events in children 13 to 18 years old
Neurologic symptoms:• Agitation, coma, seizures, toxic psychosis, hallucinations
Synthetic Cannabinoids Extreme Potency = Extreme Toxicities
Organ Function• Severe nausea / vomiting, acute kidney injury, respiratory
depression, death, Cardiac Symptoms
Bleeding … contamination with Brodifacoum• 2018 – 320 cases of severe bleeding and abnormal coagulation
Cannabis Use Disorder (CUDIT-SF) How often in the past 6 months:
1. Did you find you were unable to stop using cannabis once you had started?
2. Have you devoted a great deal of your time to getting, using or recovering from cannabis?
3. Have you had a problem with memory or conversation after using cannabis?
Never(0) Less than monthly (1) Monthly (2) Weekly (3) Daily (4)CUD present with > 2
44Bonn-Miller M. et al., Cannabis Cannabinoid Res. 2016 Dec 1;1(1):252-261.
Ratio of Average [THC]:[CBD] in DEA specimens
Elsohly MA, et al. Changes in Cannabis Potency over the Last Two Decades (1995-2014) - Analysis of Current Data in the United States. Biol Psychiatry. 2016 April 1; 79(7): 613–619. doi:10.1016/j.biopsych.2016.01.004.
Defining Products
Cannabis Strain Analysis. Steep Hill Labs. All rights Reserved. Reprinted with permission. 46
USP Expert Panel on Cannabis• Botanical Identification• Chemical Analysis & Contaminants• Monograph Development
47
THC• Dronabinol• Nabilone
CBD•Cannabidiol
Nabixim
olsUS Approval DEA Schedule
Dronabinol (Marinol) 1985 Solid = III; Liquid = II
Nabilone (Cesamet) 2006 II
Cannabidiol (Epidiolex) 2018 V
Nabiximols (Sativex)(1:1 THC: CBD)
NOT APPROVED I (listed as such in NDA)
Slow Titration Decreases Adverse EffectsThe focus is on maintaining / establishing favorable endocannabinoid toneMost Adverse Effects are early and transientGoal is avoid patients ever feeling uncomfortableSafety profile is improved by going slow and Low
48
MacCullum C and Russo E. Practical considerations in medical cannabis administration and dosing. European Journal of Internal Medicine. 49 (2018) 12-19.
Drug Interactions:Cannabis Effects on Other Drugs
Potentiate the Effects of Other CNS Depressants•Alcohol, Opioids, Benzos, Muscle Relaxers
Cardiac Effects•Amphetamines
CYP Interactions 2C19, 2C9, 3A4•Cancer •HIV •Anti-Seizure
Oral Chemotherapy Food and Drug Interactions: A Comprehensive Review of the Literature Segal EM 2013 49
Cannabidiol Drug Interaction Examples
Case Report• Patient INR Stable between 2-3
on warfarin dose of 7.5 mg/day• Initiated CBD 15 mg/kg/day and
INR went to 7
Multiple Pediatric Patient Study• Initiation of cannabidiol led to:• average increase of 60% clobaz• average increase of 500%
clobazam’s active metabolites serum concentration
• Additional studies show interactions with Depakote
50
Dronabinol US Package Inert Contains Cautions when use with Warfarin
Grayson, L, et al. An interaction between warfarin and cannabidiol, a case report. Epilepsy & Behavior Case Reports 9 (2018) 10-11.
Geffrey, et al. Drug-Drug Interaction between clobazam and Cannabidiol in Children with Refractory Epilepsy. Epilepsia 2015; 56: 1246-1251
Drug Interactions Effects of other drugs on Cannabis
Increase Effects of Cannabis (2 -3 times higher levels)
Amiodarone ClarithromycinAntifungal Drugs Diltiazem
Fluvastatin Certain HIV Drugs
Nabiximols Summary of Medicinal Product Characteristics, European Medicines Agency 3/15
Decrease Effects of Cannabis (50% less Cannabis Effects)
Carbamazepine St. Johns WortPhenobarbital Phenytoin
51
World Health Organization:CANNABIDIOL (CBD) Critical Review Report
• No current evidence of that oral CBD administration in humans results in clinically relevant THC-like subjective or physiological effects, or appreciable plasma concentrations of THC or its metabolites.
• At present no public health problems related to misuse, abuse or dependence, including no concern related to “ driving under the influence”
Dependence & CBD• In a human physical dependence study, administration of cannabidiol 1500
mg/day (750 mg 2x daily) to adults for 28 days did not produce signs or symptoms of withdrawal over 6-week period after drug discontinuation
• Suggests that cannabidiol (CBD) does not produce physical dependence
Epidiolex package insert. Carlsbad, CA: Greenwich Biosciences, Inc. 2018 June)
• However, cannabis dependence & withdrawal symptoms are reported in the literature.
• Thus THC (and/or minor cannabinoids) are driving the neuroadaptation that results in a withdrawal syndrome
53
Marijuana dependence occurs when the brain adapts to large amounts of the drug by reducing production of and sensitivity to its own endocannabinoid neurotransmitters.” (Rotter et al,2013; Morgan et al,2013) -NIDA. (2018, June 25). Marijuana. Retrieved from https://www.drugabuse.gov/publications/research-reports/marijuana on 2018, September 18https://www.drugabuse.gov/publications/research-reports/marijuana/references
Patient Case #1• 65 year old male with history of DM, neuropathy, dyslipidemia,
uncontrolled HTN, A fib• Current medications include: Metformin, Gabapentin Rosuvastatin,
Amlodpine/Benzapril, Diltiazem
He asks you: “I plan to start Medical Marijuana, What do you think?
You Reply:• What are your goals in taking it?• Are you aware of possible adverse effects?• Are there any concerning drug interactions?
Patient Case # 2• 15 year old male with ADHD and Autism spectrum disorder• Current medications include: Ritalin
The patients mother asks you: “I hear that Medical Marijuana can help my son, Do you know how I can get it?
You Reply:• What are your goals in giving it to him?• Are you aware of possible adverse effects?• Are there any concerning drug interactions?
THE CANNABIS LEGAL PUZZLE
• Procon.org. (2018). 33 Legal Medical Marijuana States and DC: Laws, Fees, and Possession Limits [Image]. Retrieved from https://medicalmarijuana.procon.org/view.resource.php?resourceID=000881• Wikipedia. Updated as of March 15th, 2019
Bradycardia(chronic)
Legal Puzzle
Heterogeneity of State MMJ Programs
State Allowed Home Grown
Budtenders + State Regulated Production
Regulation = Patie
nt Safety
57
Licensed HCP + State Regulated Products
Illegally Obtained
CBD falls within the MMJ program if purchased at dispensaries OR if state specifically allows high CBD, low THC products to be sold
Physicians Cannot Prescribe Medical Marijuana
Physicians may NOT: • Order a patient to consume/obtain or order the dispense of a CS I
Physicians Can:• Discuss treatment options, Pros/Cons (including cannabis products)• Recommend that a patient consider the use of cannabis for symptoms
The court held that what it regarded as physicians' "legitimate need to discuss with and to recommend to their patients all medically acceptable forms of treatment" outweighs the government's "legitimate interest in suppressing and controlling the flow of dangerous drugs and controlled substances within the United States."https://www.justice.gov/osg/brief/walters-v-conant-petition
58
Where Does Cannabidiol Fit ?
59
Permission not requested from this company that fills my email full of cannabis spam and false information that has not been requested!!
Sign in a window of a vape shop 0.1 miles from a Police Station
DEA – Marijuanan Extract Rule (MER)Cannabidiol considered CS I (Dec 2016)
• New drug code established for marijuana extracts = Schedule 1• An extract containing 1 or more cannabinoids that has been derived
from any plant of the genus Cannabis, other then the separated resin (whether crude or purified) obtained from the plant.
• For practical purposes, all extracts that contain CBD will also contain at least small amounts of other cannabinoids.
• Hemp Industry Association contested this, but was denied by court
60
Drug Enforcement Agency, Establishment of a New Drug Code for Marihuana Extract. Final rule.
Federal Register 2016 Dec.14;81(240):90194-6.https://www.deadiversion.usdoj.gov/schedules/marijuana/m_extract_7350.html
Agricultural Improvement Act of 2018 (aka Farm Bill) and HEMP
• Allows for legal cultivation of Hemp for growers registered with the state and the Department of Agriculture.
• Hemp removed from the Controlled Substance Act• Allows interstate commerce of legally grown hemp or hemp products• Does not supersede the Food Drug and Cosmetic Act • Does not prohibit the ability to promulgate Federal regulations and guidelines
that relate to the production of hemp
The term ‘hemp’ means the plant Cannabis sativa L. and any part of that plant, including the seeds thereof and all derivatives, extracts, cannabinoids, isomers, acids, salts, and salts of isomers, whether growing or not, with a delta-tetrahydrocannabinol concentration of not more than 0.3 percent on a dry weight basis.
www.congress.gov/115/bills/hr2/BILLS-115hr2enr.pdf
THE CANNABIS LEGAL PUZZLECANNABIDIOL:FOOD DRUG AND COSMETIC ACT HAS AUTHORITY
Unlawful under the FD&C Act to introduce food containing added CBD or THC into interstate commerce, or to market CBD or THC products as, or in, dietary supplements, regardless of whether the substances are hemp-derived. This is because both CBD and THC are active ingredients in FDA-approved drugs and were the subject of substantial clinical investigations before they were marketed as foods or dietary supplements.
• Drug Enforcement Administration. (2017). Establishment of a New Drug Code for Marihuana Extract. Retrieved from https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2016/12/14/2016-29941/establishment-of-a-new-drug-code-for-marihuana-extract
• https://www.fda.gov/NewsEvents/Newsroom/PressAnnouncements/ucm628988.htm
Labelling Accuracy of Cannabidiol containing Products obtained on Internet
• Using +/- 10% for label accuracy of CBD content (n=84)• 43% over label• 26% under label• 31% on label
• 18 / 84 samples (22%) contained detectable THC• THC contamination detected as high as 6.43 mg/mL
63
Bonn-Miller MO, Loflin MJE, Thomas BF, Marcu JP, Hyke T, Vandrey R. Labeling Accuracy of Cannabidiol Extracts Sold Online. JAMA 2017;318:1708-1709.
THE LEGAL PUZZLE THE FDA ACTIVITY
• https://www.fda.gov/ICECI/EnforcementActions/WarningLetters/2015/ucm436069.htm• https://www.fda.gov/NewsEvents/Newsroom/PressAnnouncements/ucm628988.htm
Warning Letters2015• 6 companies ->18 products
2016• 8 companies -> 24 products
2017• 4 companies
2018• 1 company
”introduction of a misbranded drug into interstate commerce is a violation “
“intended for treatment of one or more diseases that are not amenable to self-diagnosis or treatment without the supervision of a licensed practitioner. Therefore, it is impossible to write adequate directions for a layperson to use your products safely for their intended purposes. ”
Store in a local Mall ….Selective Reinforcement ?
Photos taken by C. Roussel while school shopping with her children
Question #1
Which of the following statements about the endocannabinoid system is true?
A. Endocannabinoids are synthesized from amino acids.B. Endocannabinoid receptors are the most concentrated g-protein coupled
receptor in the brain.C. Endogenous endocannabinoids have relatively long half lives.
Answer: B
Question #2
Which of the following statements about the pharmacokinetics of cannabis is false?
A. Sublingual cannabis has an onset of action of about 15 min-60 mins.B. Orally ingested cannabis has a predictable onset of action in 5 - 60
minutes.C. Cannabis has a duration of action of 4 - 6 hours.
Answer: B
Question #3Which statement is TRUE about Cannabidiol products?
A. Cannabidiol is associated with dependency.B. Cannabidiol is reliably extracted from hemp seeds, stalks and leaves.C. Over-The-Counter Cannabidiol Products are regulated by the FDA.D. The study by Bon-Miller et al from JAMA showed that Cannabidiol
products purchased on the internet showed consistent compliance with labelling and did not have any contamination with THC.
E. The DEA considers Cannabidiol a “Marijuana Extract” and today it is considered Federally Illegal, while the Cannabidiol product by Greenwich Pharma (brand name Epidiolex) awaits scheduling.
Answer: E
Question #4
The following statements about THC are TRUE?
A. THC can cause impairment and increase a patients risks of falls.B. THC is a molecule that can provide symptom relief for pain, nausea and
sleep disturbances, but at higher doses it can cause anxiety and is not recommended in patients with uncontrolled psychiatric issues.
C. THC is associated with dependency.D. All of the above are true Statements about THC.
Answer: D
References
• Information for Health Care Professionals Cannabis (marihuana, marijuana) and the cannabinoids Prepared by Health Canada. February 2013
• Corroon J, Knight R. Regulatory Status of Cannabidiol in the United States: A Perspective. Cannabis Cannabinoid Res. 2018 Sep 27;3(1):190-194
• Mead A. The legal status of cannabis (marijuana) and cannabidiol(CBD) under U.S. law. Epilepsy Behav. 2017 May;70(Pt B):288-291.
• Russo, E. B. (2011). Taming THC: potential cannabis synergy and phytocannabinoid-terpenoid entourage effects. Br.J.Pharmacol. 163: 1344-1364.
• Pertwee RG. Handbook of Cannabis. New York, NY: Oxford University Press; 10016.
CE Evaluation Code: 19024