Medical cannabis refers to cannabis-based medicinal products and pharmaceutical preparations that are developed, manufactured and supplied within applicable regulatory frameworks. Their use is subject to the legislation and regulatory requirements of each country and, where applicable, the clinical judgment of appropriately qualified healthcare professionals.
What makes it medical?
Cannabis-derived medicinal products are subject to pharmaceutical quality standards designed to ensure their identity, composition, purity, consistency and quality throughout the manufacturing process. These requirements include rigorous quality control, analytical testing, documentation and traceability in accordance with applicable regulatory standards.
Within Europe, regulatory frameworks differ between countries. Products intended for medicinal use are manufactured and controlled according to the legislation and quality requirements applicable in each jurisdiction.
Key plant compounds
The Cannabis sativa plant contains numerous naturally occurring chemical constituents, including cannabinoids and terpenes. Among the most extensively studied cannabinoids are Δ⁹-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD). These compounds differ in their chemical structure, pharmacological properties and interactions with the endocannabinoid system. The characteristics of a cannabis-based medicinal product depend on multiple factors, including its qualitative and quantitative composition, pharmaceutical formulation and route of administration.
THC
Delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol
CBD
Cannabidiol
Evidence and authorised medicines
Cannabis-based medicinal products are regulated under different legal frameworks depending on the jurisdiction. Regulatory approval, prescribing requirements and patient access pathways vary between countries and are determined by the relevant competent authorities.
Scientific understanding of cannabinoids continues to evolve through ongoing basic, translational and clinical research. Healthcare professionals evaluate available evidence together with national regulatory requirements when making clinical decisions.
Quality, safety and traceability
Medical cannabis manufacturing requires robust pharmaceutical quality systems throughout cultivation, processing, analytical testing, storage and distribution. Comprehensive documentation and traceability support product quality, consistency and compliance with applicable regulatory requirements.
European pharmaceutical manufacturing is guided by Good Manufacturing Practice (EU-GMP). Standardized processes, validated analytical methods and controlled production systems contribute to the quality and consistency of medicinal products.
