Endocannabinoid Medicine
Few physicians have been educated about the endocannabinoid system (ECS) and its significant role in modulating the underlying pathologies of over 300 diverse patient populations. Various cannabis constituents have different pharmacodynamics and -kinetics that must be understood to realize precision effects, predictability of effects, and mitigate any potential side effects. The relevant scientific literature is vast, with over 40,000 entries alone on PubMed (using the keyword marijuana), which is not organized to support clinically relevant decisions.
The CannaKeys Platform
To meet these challenges, we created CannaKeys. Since its inception in 2018, CannaKeys (CK) has collected and organize the scientific literature so physicians can quickly learn about the involvement of the ECS for over 280 different patient populations that may benefit from it. Furthermore, CK highlights the different pharmacodynamics and -kinetics of the key cannabis constituents, making it easier to reach for precision effects, prevent adverse effects, and be aware of any cannabis-to-pharmaceutical drug interaction potential.
Treatment Algorithms for the Clinical Setting
Optimizing patient outcomes. Treatment algorithms are one of the most important tools for managing the complexity of the ECS and the use of optimal cannabinoid-based therapeutics. A treatment algorithm for cannabinoid-based therapeutics refers to a systematic approach that physicians can use to make evidence-based decisions when prescribing cannabis-based treatments to patients. These algorithms consider various factors such as specific aspects of the patient’s medical history, the primary symptom they wish to address, the preferences about what kind of cannabis experience they wish to have, and, of course, the specific condition being treated. The goal is to develop a customized treatment plan that optimizes the therapeutic benefits of cannabis-based constituents while minimizing any potential side effects.
The algorithms utilize only those aspects that can be controlled in the clinical setting, such as starting with low doses and gradually increasing them until the desired therapeutic effect is achieved. In addition, the algorithms also consider the evidence for the use of a primary or secondary cannabinoid and the ideal ratio between them, the ideal form of the remedy for each patient, along with the use of other synergistic cannabis constituents like terpenes or other supportive components such as modulators of the endocannabinoidome (eCBome) like nutraceuticals, mind-body approaches, dietary considerations.
Regular monitoring and adjustment of the treatment plan may be necessary to ensure optimal patient outcomes. The algorithms and the practical considerations associated with each may also include counseling and education recommendations on cannabinoid-based therapeutics to ensure patient safety and compliance.
