The holiday season often involves changes to daily schedules, increased stress, travel, and social obligations. For patients using medicinal cannabis as part of a therapeutic plan, these changes may affect symptom management, dosing consistency, and overall treatment outcomes.
This article provides general educational guidance to support the safe and responsible use of medicinal cannabis during the holiday period.
Maintaining Treatment Consistency
Consistency is an important component of medicinal cannabis therapy. Disruptions in sleep, diet, hydration, and daily routines during the holidays may influence how cannabinoids are absorbed and tolerated.
Patient considerations include:
- Adhering to established dosing schedules
- Avoiding unsupervised dose increases
Patients should consult their healthcare provider before making changes to their treatment plan.
Dosing & Administration Considerations
Changes in environment or routine may alter a patient’s response to medicinal cannabis.
Clinical guidance:
- Allow adequate time between doses to assess effects
- Use caution when initiating or adjusting oral formulations, such as capsules or edibles, due to delayed onset
- Be mindful of cumulative dosing over the course of a day
Inhaled products may have faster onset but shorter duration, which should be factored into symptom management planning.
Medicinal Cannabis & Alcohol
Alcohol consumption is more common during holiday gatherings. When used concurrently, alcohol and cannabis may have additive effects on the central nervous system.
Safety recommendations:
- Avoid combining medicinal cannabis and alcohol whenever possible
- If alcohol is consumed, consider reducing or omitting cannabis use
- Do not drive or operate machinery under the influence
Patients with cardiovascular, neurological, or balance-related conditions should exercise additional caution.
Travel & Legal Considerations
Medicinal cannabis is legal in Australia when prescribed by an authorised healthcare practitioner and supplied in accordance with the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) regulations. Patients should be aware of the following when travelling during the holiday season:
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Patients may travel domestically within Australia with their prescribed medicinal cannabis, provided it is legally prescribed and dispensed
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Products should be kept in their original pharmacy packaging with the prescription label clearly visible
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Patients should carry a copy of their prescription or a letter from their prescribing practitioner, particularly when flying
- Medicinal cannabis should be stored securely and not accessed while driving
Medicinal cannabis must not be shared with others, even if they hold a prescription.
International travel:
Transporting medicinal cannabis across international borders is generally prohibited and subject to the laws of the destination country. Patients should not take medicinal cannabis overseas unless explicit written approval has been obtained from relevant authorities in both Australia and the destination country.
Patients are encouraged to review airline requirements and state or territory regulations prior to travel and consult their healthcare provider if clarification is needed.
Safe Storage & Accidental Exposure Prevention
With visitors, children, or pets present during the holidays, proper storage of medicinal cannabis is critical.
Storage guidelines:
- Use locked, child-resistant containers
- Keep products in original packaging with clear labeling
- Store edibles separately from non-medicated food items
Accidental ingestion may require immediate medical attention.
Monitoring & Managing Adverse Effects
Holiday-related changes in hydration, sleep, and nutrition may increase sensitivity to cannabinoids.
Potential adverse effects include:
- Excessive sedation
- Anxiety or dysphoria
- Dizziness or orthostatic hypotension
- Gastrointestinal discomfort
If adverse effects occur, patients should discontinue use and seek medical guidance.
Communicating With Healthcare Providers
Patients should inform their healthcare provider of medicinal cannabis use, especially if experiencing changes in symptoms or side effects during the holiday season.
The holiday season can introduce challenges for patients using medicinal cannabis. By maintaining consistency, understanding administration methods, avoiding high-risk combinations, and prioritizing safe storage, patients can continue their treatment safely and effectively.
For any questions, contact our team at 1300 420 965, email us at hello@dispensedirect.com.au, or discuss it with your prescriber.