When it comes to our patients, Blüm is dedicated to delivering comprehensive and clear safety communications as well as palatable and effective pastilles. Today, let’s look at the specific safety concerns of cannabis pastilles, with a particular focus on Blüm products.
We’ll explore starting doses, titration strategies, and ways to prevent patient overconsumption, while also addressing potential side effects, drug interactions, and how to manage any adverse effects that may arise.
Why understanding medicinal cannabis pastilles absorption is so important for patient safety
When it comes to patient safety, understanding how cannabis pastilles interact with the body is key. This knowledge is not just academic; it directly influences dosing guidelines, patient management, and safety precautions.
How Cannabis Pastilles Are Absorbed
Cannabis pastilles follow a distinct metabolic pathway compared to other consumption methods. After ingestion, they pass through the gastrointestinal (GI) tract, where cannabinoids are absorbed into the bloodstream. Unlike inhalation methods, which deliver cannabinoids directly to the bloodstream, pastilles require digestion and absorption through the GI system.
The cannabinoids are then transported to the liver via the portal vein, where they undergo first-pass metabolism. This process converts tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) into 11-hydroxy-THC, a metabolite that has more potent psychoactive effects and a longer duration of action compared to THC. Understanding this metabolic pathway is crucial because it affects the onset, intensity, and duration of the effects experienced by patients.
Why this is Important for patient safety
- Dosing Accuracy: Knowing how cannabinoids are metabolised can help you provide more accurate dosing recommendations. Since the conversion of THC to 11-hydroxy-THC can significantly impact the effects of pastilles, understanding this process helps in advising appropriate starting doses and titration. Accurate dosing is essential to avoid underdosing, which can lead to suboptimal therapeutic effects, or overdosing, which can cause adverse effects.
- Predictable Outcomes: The unique metabolism of pastilles means that their effects are often more delayed and prolonged compared to other methods. By understanding this, you can set realistic expectations for patients about when they might start feeling effects and how long they might last. This helps in preventing situations where patients might consume more than intended due to delayed onset, thereby improving safety.
- Managing Side Effects: The transformation of THC into 11-hydroxy-THC means that pastilles can sometimes produce more intense psychoactive effects. Understanding this metabolic pathway helps in anticipating and managing potential side effects, such as anxiety or impaired cognitive function. This knowledge is vital for providing guidance on how to handle adverse effects and when to seek medical help.
- Safety with Blüm Edible Absorption: Blüm pastilles leverage a unique emulsion formula which may improve cannabinoid absorption.
This innovative approach may help in achieving more consistent and predictable therapeutic outcomes, which in turn improves safety by reducing variability in patient responses.
Safe Dosing Guidelines for Cannabis pastilles
For patients new to cannabis pastilles, it is important to start with a low dose to assess individual tolerance. Blüm pastilles are designed to provide precise dosing. For most patients, starting with 2.5 to 5 mg of THC is advisable (or even halving initial doses). This cautious approach helps to mitigate the risk of adverse effects and allows for a more controlled introduction to cannabis therapy.
Remember: patient responses to cannabinoids can vary based on factors such as metabolic rate, body weight, and prior cannabis use. New patients should begin with the lowest recommended dose and gradually increase as needed, based on their individual response.
Safety and titration strategies
Given the delayed onset of effects from pastilles, typically ranging from 30 to 60 minutes, it is essential for patients to wait before consuming additional doses. A gradual increase of 2.5 to 5 mg THC is recommended if the initial dose does not yield the desired effect. This approach helps prevent overconsumption and allows for better management of therapeutic outcomes.
Encourage patients to keep a log of their dosing, effects, and any side effects experienced. This documentation can provide valuable insights into their individual response and help tailor future dosing adjustments.
Avoiding Overconsumption
One of the common reasons for overconsumption is the misconception about the onset time of pastilles. Educate patients about the delayed onset, emphasising the importance of waiting up to 2 hours before taking additional doses.
Educate Patients About Safe Storage Practices
Guidelines for Patients on Safe Storage
- Secure Storage Recommendations: Advise patients to store Blüm pastilles in a secure location, out of reach of children and pets. Even with child-proof packaging, it is best to keep pastilles in high cabinets or locked drawers to minimise the risk of accidental ingestion.
- Original Packaging: Encourage patients to store pastilles in their original, child-proof packaging to maintain their protective features and clear labelling.
Educate Patients on dosage and effects:
Educate patients on the importance of keeping pastilles away from others, including providing clear information on how much to consume and the potential effects. This ensures they are aware of the risks and can manage their consumption responsibly.
Download patient fact sheet here
Managing Potential Side Effects
While pastilles are relatively safe, some common side effects can include:
- Dry Mouth and Red Eyes: These are typical side effects of cannabis consumption. While generally mild, they can be managed by maintaining hydration and using eye drops (if needed)
- Drowsiness and Fatigue: High THC concentrations can lead to drowsiness. Patients should be advised to avoid activities that require full alertness. You should also inform your patients that in most states in Australia, it is illegal to drive with any THC in your system.
- Gastrointestinal Discomfort: Some patients may experience nausea or stomach upset. Consuming pastilles with food or opting for lower doses can help alleviate these symptoms.
Severe Adverse Effects
- Anxiety and Paranoia: Elevated THC levels can sometimes lead to anxiety or paranoia. Patients should start with lower doses and gradually increase to minimise the risk of these effects. If severe anxiety or paranoia occurs, recommend reducing the dose or switching to a product with higher CBD content, which may counteract some of THC’s psychoactive effects.
- Hallucinations or Delusions: While rare, high doses of THC can cause hallucinations or delusions. In such cases, immediate medical care is advised.
- Cardiac arrhythmias: Serious adverse effects associated with cannabis use and arrhythmias are extremely rare. There have been cases of high-dose THC causing abnormalities in heart rate and rhythm. If suspected, immediate medical care is advised.
Potential Drug Interactions
Cannabis pastilles can interact with various medications, potentially altering their efficacy or safety.
CYP450 Enzyme Interactions
- Enzyme Inhibition: Cannabis can affect the metabolism of drugs processed by CYP450 enzymes in the liver. This includes medications such as certain antidepressants, antiepileptics, and anticoagulants. Patients taking these medications should be closely monitored, and dose adjustments may be necessary.
Sedatives and CNS Depressants
- Enhanced Sedation: Combining medicinal cannabis with other central nervous system depressants, such as alcohol, can enhance drowsiness and impair cognitive function. Patients should be cautioned about the potential for additive sedative effects and advised to use these substances together with caution.
Blüm Products: Enhancing Patient Safety
Blüm pastilles are formulated with precision to ensure consistent and reliable dosing. The incorporation of unique emulsion plays a significant role in improving cannabinoid absorption and overall patient safety.
Blüm prioritises patient safety through our dedication to high-quality formulations but also through meticulous attention to packaging:
- Child-Safe Tins: Blüm pastilles come in child-safe tins designed to prevent easy access by children. These containers are engineered to be tamper-resistant and child-proof, making it more difficult for children to open them. This added layer of safety is particularly important in households where young children might be curious or accidentally come across the pastilles.
- Clear and Accurate Labelling: Every Blüm edible tin features clear, comprehensive labelling that includes essential information such as dosage, cannabinoid content, and usage instructions. Proper labelling ensures that anyone handling the product understands its contents and appropriate use, which helps prevent accidental overuse.
- Consistent Dosing: Blüm products are subject to rigorous quality control, ensuring that each pastille provides a consistent cannabinoid dose. This consistency is important for effective dosing and patient safety.
- Tailored Formulations: Blüm offers a range of products with varying THC, CBD, and CBG ratios. This allows healthcare professionals to customise treatment plans based on individual patient needs and therapeutic goals. For example, the Blüm Lift pastille, with its high CBD to THC ratio, is ideal for patients seeking therapeutic benefits with minimal psychoactive effects.
- Patient Education and Support: Blüm provides resources and guidance to healthcare professionals (like this article!) to support safe and effective use of its products. This includes information on dosing, potential side effects, and interactions with other medications.
Patient Safety — In Summary
At Blüm, our unwavering commitment to patient safety and effective cannabis therapy extends to healthcare professionals like you. By providing comprehensive safety communications and high-quality products, we empower you to guide your patients through their journeys with confidence.
Understanding the unique absorption characteristics of cannabis pastilles is key for accurate dosing and managing patient expectations. With our precise dosing guidelines and innovative formulations, Blüm can support you in delivering safe and effective care.
