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Advanced Certificate of Medicinal Cannabis

Explore the medical applications of cannabinoids to manage common health conditions in primary care.

Advanced Certificate of Medicinal Cannabis

CPD

34 hrs Education 48 hrs Performance 8.5 hrs Outcome

Delivery

Fully online
Learn from
anywhere

Duration

82 hours
Self-paced
Start anytime

Overview

Acquire the knowledge to manage and prescribe plant-based medicine for various conditions such as multiple sclerosis, tremors, diabetes, hypertension, glaucoma, autoimmune disorders, and more.

Who it is for and what you will learn:

  • Learn the remedial properties of plant-based therapy and its uses in mainstream medicine.

  • Acquire knowledge from published case studies, peer reviewed research, and scientific learning resources.

  • This course is for physicians, nurse practitioners, and degree-qualified nurses.

  • CPD-accredited and university-reviewed.

Your education pathway

Professional Certificate

Establish foundational clinical knowledge and essential skills.

Learn more

Advanced Certificate

Develop advanced techniques and diagnostic capabilities.

You are here

Professional Diploma

Master complex cases and achieve high-level clinical proficiency.

Learn more

Learning outcomes

  • Effectively treat multiple sclerosis-related symptoms.

  • Use advanced techniques to manage treatment-resistant pain and migraines.

  • Address autoimmune and inflammatory disorders with cannabinoids.

  • Support patients suffering from inflammatory bowel disease, particularly Crohn's disease.

  • Offer comprehensive care for your patients with autism, ADHD, OCD, and Tourette syndrome.

  • Gain online plant-based medicine training to improve patient outcomes, especially for those patients with chronic or long-term health conditions commonly seen in general practice.

Course contents

Medicinal Cannabis - Multiple sclerosis, spasticity, tremor and dystonia

The "Medicinal Cannabis - Multiple Sclerosis, Spasticity, Tremor, and Dystonia" course offers healthcare professionals an in-depth understanding of the therapeutic potential of medicinal cannabis in managing neurodegenerative and neuro-inflammatory conditions. Participants will learn how cannabis can help alleviate motor symptoms like spasticity, tremor, and dystonia, as well as improve non-motor symptoms such as pain, sleep, and anxiety. This evidence-based course covers dosing, side effects, and patient management, providing essential knowledge for incorporating medicinal cannabis into patient care plans.

Medicinal Cannabis - Treatment resistant pain, neuropathic pain, cluster headaches and migraines

This comprehensive course explores the therapeutic potential of medicinal cannabis in managing treatment-resistant pain, neuropathic pain, cluster headaches, and migraines. Designed for medical professionals, it delves into current evidence, clinical guidelines, patient selection, and practical prescribing strategies. Participants will gain insights into cannabinoid pharmacology, dosing regimens, and delivery methods, with a focus on safety, efficacy, and patient-centred care. Interactive case discussions and assessments reinforce clinical decision-making. Whether used as an adjunct or third-line therapy, this course equips practitioners with essential knowledge to navigate the complex landscape of cannabis-based pain management in primary care.

Medicinal Cannabis - Auto immune disorders and Inflammatory Conditions

"Medicinal Cannabis for Autoimmune Disorders and Inflammatory Conditions" offers healthcare professionals an in-depth exploration of cannabinoid-based therapies for chronic pain and inflammation. This course examines the science, evidence, and practical application of medicinal cannabis in managing rheumatoid arthritis and fibromyalgia. Learn how to select appropriate cannabis products, optimise treatment strategies, and integrate cannabinoid therapies into a holistic care model. Equip yourself with evidence-based knowledge and best practices to provide effective, individualised patient care.

Medicinal Cannabis - Inflammatory bowel disease - Crohn's Disease and Ulcerative Colitis

Explore the role of medicinal cannabis in managing Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD), including Crohn’s Disease and Ulcerative Colitis, in this comprehensive course. Designed for healthcare professionals, this program examines the evidence, benefits, and limitations of cannabinoid therapies for symptom relief and improved quality of life. Through case-based learning and practical guidance, participants will learn to personalise treatment strategies using THC and CBD formulations, navigating complex patient presentations with confidence and precision.

Medicinal Cannabis - ASD - Autism, ADHD, OCD and Tourettes

"Medicinal Cannabis for ASD – Autism, ADHD, OCD, and Tourette's" is a specialised course exploring the potential of cannabinoid-based therapies for neuropsychiatric conditions. Designed for medical professionals, this program delves into the evidence, treatment protocols, and ethical considerations of using THC and CBD to improve patient outcomes. With real-world case studies and practical dosing guidelines, participants will gain the expertise to safely and effectively incorporate medicinal cannabis into individualised care plans.

Medicinal Cannabis - Diabetes, Glaucoma and Hypertension

Explore the therapeutic potential of medicinal cannabis in managing diabetes, glaucoma, and hypertension. This evidence-based course delves into the pharmacology of cannabinoids and their role in addressing these chronic conditions. Through case studies, scientific research, and clinical insights, participants will learn how cannabinoids can complement conventional treatments to improve symptoms such as neuropathic pain, high blood pressure, and insulin resistance. Designed for healthcare professionals, this course provides the knowledge needed to safely incorporate medicinal cannabis into patient care, focusing on efficacy, safety, and best practices.

Medicinal Cannabis - Women's health and endometriosis, PMT and osteoporosis

The "Medicinal Cannabis - Women’s Health and Endometriosis, PMS, and Osteoporosis" course explores the role of medicinal cannabis in managing common women's health conditions. Participants will gain insight into the endocannabinoid system and how cannabinoids may help manage symptoms related to endometriosis, premenstrual syndrome (PMS), and osteoporosis. The course highlights the potential benefits of THC and CBD in pain management, inflammation reduction, and bone healing. Through evidence-based research and practical guidelines, this course equips healthcare professionals with the knowledge to consider medicinal cannabis as a treatment option for women’s health conditions.

Medicinal Cannabis - COPD, asthma, eczema, psoriasis and skin conditions

Unlock the therapeutic potential of medicinal cannabis in managing conditions like COPD, asthma, eczema, psoriasis, and other skin ailments. This comprehensive course explores evidence-based applications of cannabinoid therapy, focusing on the endocannabinoid system's role in inflammation and immune regulation. Designed for healthcare professionals, it provides practical insights into systemic and topical treatments, enabling better patient outcomes. With no prerequisites, this course offers accessible learning for anyone interested in this growing field.

Meet your instructors

Dr Joe Kosterich Dr Joe Kosterich MBBS Dr Joe Kosterich

Lecturer, Curtin Medical School

Dr Joe Kosterich is a general practitioner, speaker, author, media presenter and health industry consultant. He writes for numerous medical and mainstream publications and is a regular on radio and television. He is often called to give opinions in medico legal cases, is clinical editor of a medical magazine, adjunct professor (teaching) at UWA and a lecturer at Curtin Medical School.

Dr Kosterich has a special interest in plant-based therapies, men’s health, chronic disease and mental health. He has self-published two books and maintains a website and blog with health information and commentary. Through all this, Dr Kosterich continues to see patients as a GP each week.

Dr Orit Holtzman Dr Orit Holtzman MBBS PhD Dr Orit Holtzman

Chief Medical Officer, Compass Lifestyle Clinics

Co-Founder & Vice President, ANZCCP

Dr Orit Holtzman is the Chief Medical Officer of Compass Lifestyle Clinics, where she practises functional and cannabinoid medicine, and the Co-Founder and Vice President of the Australian and New Zealand College of Cannabinoid Practitioners (ANZCCP). 

Dr Holtzman holds a Bachelor of Science in biology and psychology from the University of Tel Aviv, a PhD in neuroscience from the University of NSW, and an MBBS from the Sydney Medical School at the University of Sydney. She is also a Kresser Institute Trained Practitioner in functional and evolutionary medicine. 

After working in the public hospital system, Dr Holtzman has begun exploring holistic health solutions and become passionate about utilising medicinal cannabis as a therapeutic agent. She began prescribing cannabis in 2019, when she joined Compass Lifestyle Clinics. Dr Holtzman has prescribed medicinal cannabis for hundreds of patients for various indications, and is an authorised prescriber for multiple conditions. She is also a sought-after medical educator, teaching doctors about medicinal cannabis and the endocannabinoid system. 

Dr Holtzman lives in the beautiful Blue Mountains in NSW with her husband and three children.

Dr Orit Holtzman Dr Orit Holtzman MBBS PhD Dr Orit Holtzman

Chief Medical Officer, Compass Lifestyle Clinics

Co-Founder & Vice President, ANZCCP

Dr Orit Holtzman is the Chief Medical Officer of Compass Lifestyle Clinics, where she practises functional and cannabinoid medicine, and the Co-Founder and Vice President of the Australian and New Zealand College of Cannabinoid Practitioners (ANZCCP). 

Dr Holtzman holds a Bachelor of Science in biology and psychology from the University of Tel Aviv, a PhD in neuroscience from the University of NSW, and an MBBS from the Sydney Medical School at the University of Sydney. She is also a Kresser Institute Trained Practitioner in functional and evolutionary medicine. 

After working in the public hospital system, Dr Holtzman has begun exploring holistic health solutions and become passionate about utilising medicinal cannabis as a therapeutic agent. She began prescribing cannabis in 2019, when she joined Compass Lifestyle Clinics. Dr Holtzman has prescribed medicinal cannabis for hundreds of patients for various indications, and is an authorised prescriber for multiple conditions. She is also a sought-after medical educator, teaching doctors about medicinal cannabis and the endocannabinoid system. 

Dr Holtzman lives in the beautiful Blue Mountains in NSW with her husband and three children.

Dr Joe Kosterich Dr Joe Kosterich MBBS Dr Joe Kosterich

Lecturer, Curtin Medical School

Dr Joe Kosterich is a general practitioner, speaker, author, media presenter and health industry consultant. He writes for numerous medical and mainstream publications and is a regular on radio and television. He is often called to give opinions in medico legal cases, is clinical editor of a medical magazine, adjunct professor (teaching) at UWA and a lecturer at Curtin Medical School.

Dr Kosterich has a special interest in plant-based therapies, men’s health, chronic disease and mental health. He has self-published two books and maintains a website and blog with health information and commentary. Through all this, Dr Kosterich continues to see patients as a GP each week.

Dr John Teh Dr John Teh MBBS Dr John Teh

Cannabinoid Clinician, Clinical Educator

Medical Director, PlantMed 

Dr John Teh is the Medical Director of Plantmed Medical Cannabis Clinic, Australia. He has been working within the Medicinal Cannabis industry since the legalisation of cannabis for medicinal use in Australia in February 2016.

Dr Teh is actively involved in Cannabis Medicine education, training medical practitioners and allied health professionals in all areas of cannabinoid therapeutics. He is a medical advisor to various cannabis producers and suppliers within Australia, and consulted the Thailand government prior their introduction of their medicinal cannabis program in 2019.

Dr Teh has vast experience treating a variety of patients with Medical Cannabis and integrates nutrition and plant based medicines which support cannabinoid treatment in his practice. His wealth of knowledge makes him sought after in all areas of cannabis medicine and education.

Professor Marco Falasca Professor Marco Falasca Professor Marco Falasca

Professor, Metabolism, School of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences, Curtin University, Australia

Professor Marco Falasca graduated in Pharmacy and then in Pharmaceutical Chemistry at the University of Camerino, Italy. His education further includes a Diploma of Specialisation in Applied Pharmacology at the University of Bari and a FORMEZ Research Award (PhD equivalent) at the Consorzio Mario Negri Sud, Italy. After three years at the New York University Medical Center, Department of Pharmacology (Head Prof Joseph Schlessinger), Prof Falasca took up a position as Head of the Unit of Physiopathology of Cell Signalling within the Consorzio Mario Negri Sud in 1998.

In 2001 he moved to London where he was appointed as Principal Research Fellow, Senior Lecturer within the Department of Medicine at the University College London. In 2007 he was appointed as Professor of Molecular Pharmacology at the Queen Mary University of London. He is currently Professor of Metabolism at Curtin University, Australia. He has published more than 100 papers in reputed journals and has been serving as an editorial board member for several international journals.

The focus of Prof Falasca’s research in the past 25 years has involved the investigation of signalling pathways regulating intracellular physiological and pathological processes. Prof Falasca’s current specific projects are dedicated to the investigation of the mechanisms involved in development and progression of pancreatic diseases.

Dr Orit Holtzman Dr Orit Holtzman MBBS PhD Dr Orit Holtzman

Chief Medical Officer, Compass Lifestyle Clinics

Co-Founder & Vice President, ANZCCP

Dr Orit Holtzman is the Chief Medical Officer of Compass Lifestyle Clinics, where she practises functional and cannabinoid medicine, and the Co-Founder and Vice President of the Australian and New Zealand College of Cannabinoid Practitioners (ANZCCP). 

Dr Holtzman holds a Bachelor of Science in biology and psychology from the University of Tel Aviv, a PhD in neuroscience from the University of NSW, and an MBBS from the Sydney Medical School at the University of Sydney. She is also a Kresser Institute Trained Practitioner in functional and evolutionary medicine. 

After working in the public hospital system, Dr Holtzman has begun exploring holistic health solutions and become passionate about utilising medicinal cannabis as a therapeutic agent. She began prescribing cannabis in 2019, when she joined Compass Lifestyle Clinics. Dr Holtzman has prescribed medicinal cannabis for hundreds of patients for various indications, and is an authorised prescriber for multiple conditions. She is also a sought-after medical educator, teaching doctors about medicinal cannabis and the endocannabinoid system. 

Dr Holtzman lives in the beautiful Blue Mountains in NSW with her husband and three children.

Dr John Teh Dr John Teh MBBS Dr John Teh

Cannabinoid Clinician, Clinical Educator

Medical Director, PlantMed 

Dr John Teh is the Medical Director of Plantmed Medical Cannabis Clinic, Australia. He has been working within the Medicinal Cannabis industry since the legalisation of cannabis for medicinal use in Australia in February 2016.

Dr Teh is actively involved in Cannabis Medicine education, training medical practitioners and allied health professionals in all areas of cannabinoid therapeutics. He is a medical advisor to various cannabis producers and suppliers within Australia, and consulted the Thailand government prior their introduction of their medicinal cannabis program in 2019.

Dr Teh has vast experience treating a variety of patients with Medical Cannabis and integrates nutrition and plant based medicines which support cannabinoid treatment in his practice. His wealth of knowledge makes him sought after in all areas of cannabis medicine and education.

Other ways to study this topic

Workshop

Complete your certificate online, then build practical skills in the accompanying optional hands-on workshop.

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Short courses

Study selected topics from this certificate as focused, standalone short courses for targeted upskilling in under 10 hours. 

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CPD accreditation and course details

CPD Accreditation and Activities

Accredited CPD activities in this certificate

Each module in this certificate is an RACGP and ACRRM approved CPD activity. The certificate provides 50 hours of CPD for medical professionals in Australia.*

RACGP Activity Number ACRRM Activity Number Activity Title Education Hours Performance Hours
414172 38422 Medicinal Cannabis - Multiple sclerosis, spasticity, tremor and dystonia 4.5 6.0
414189 38423 Medicinal Cannabis - Treatment resistant pain, neuropathic pain, cluster headaches and migraines 4.5 6.0
414204 38428 Medicinal Cannabis - Auto immune disorders and Inflammatory Conditions 4.0 6.0
414209 38430 Medicinal Cannabis - Inflammatory bowel disease - Crohn's Disease and Ulcerative Colitis 4.5 6.0
414217 38432 Medicinal Cannabis - ASD - Autism, ADHD, OCD and Tourettes 4.0 6.0
414226 38433 Medicinal Cannabis - Diabetes, Glaucoma and Hypertension 4.0 6.0
414230 38434 Medicinal Cannabis - Women's health and endometriosis, PMT and osteoporosis 4.0 6.0
414236 38435 Medicinal Cannabis - COPD, asthma, eczema, psoriasis and skin conditions 4.5 6.0
Total hours 34.0 48.0

*When the optional outcome measurement activity (minimum 5 hours) is completed. See our FAQs for more information about annual CPD requirements.

View the CPD Hours for all HealthCert Education activities.

Outcome measurement
The purpose of outcome measurement activities is to improve your clinical confidence in managing an identified learning gap. Outcome measurement activities are not a requirement of our Professional Certificate of Advanced Certificate courses; they are a requirement for Australian CPD purposes.

HealthCert Education provides a variety of outcome measurements activities to suit your needs:

  • Outcome Improvement Activities relating to specific topics within a course. They are designed to examine current clinical care, align clinical practice with best practice standards, and identify opportunities for improvement. These activities are accredited with RACGP and ACRRM.

  • Plan Do Study Act (PDSA) options on a specific topic or your identified area. A generic template and guides are provided. PDSAs are self-submitted activities.

  • Additional activities with guides include Test Measurement, Pathology Results, Practice Meetings, Peer Review, Practice Accreditation, Project Management, Student Supervision, and Pick your own topics (General Practice and Log Book methods). These are self-submitted activities.

Entry Requirements

This Advanced Certificate of Medicinal Cannabis is suitable for physicians, nurse practitioners, and degree-qualified nurses. The prerequisite course is the HealthCert Professional Certificate of Medicinal Cannabis (or qualification deemed equivalent).

Participants do not have to pass an IELTS test but, as the courses are delivered in English, proficiency in listening, reading and writing English is assumed.

Participants will require access to a computer/laptop, an internet connection and a basic level of technology proficiency to access and navigate the online learning portal.

Recognised Prior Learning (RPL)

Professionally recognised qualifications and prior studies may be recognised for entry into this course if the learning outcomes match exactly. Please ask a HealthCert Education Advisor for an individual assessment of your prior qualifications and experience.

Certification

This certificate course meets the minimum 50 hours CPD annual requirement across all three mandatory CPD activity types, provided an outcome measurement activity with a minimum of five hours is completed. You may use an optional HealthCert outcome measurement activity or develop your own.

Outcome measurement activities are not a requirement of Professional or Advanced Certificates.

Upon successful completion of the exam, course participants will receive an Advanced Certificate of Medicinal Cannabis and CPD hours.

This certificate course:

  • Is reviewed by Griffith University to comply with RACGP/ACRRM standards.

  • Is quality-assured by Australian & New Zealand College of Cannabinoid Practitioners (ANZCCP).

  • Qualifies for CPD hours from the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP).

  • Qualifies for CPD hours from the Australian College of Rural and Remote Medicine (ACRRM).

  • Is recognised by the Royal New Zealand College of General Practitioners (RNZCGP).

  • Is recognised by the Hong Kong College of Family Physicians (HKCFP). The HKCFP recognises all courses endorsed by the RACGP. Hours are calculated differently.

  • Is a self-submitted activity in Dubai. The number of CPD hours must be stated on the certificate. Please contact PLD@dhcr.gov.ae for more information.

  • Is a self-submitted activity in the UK. CPD events overseas, applicable to a doctor’s scope of practice, may be submitted for revalidation. Please confirm with your Responsible Officer.

  • Is a self-submitted activity in Canada through the College of Family Physicians of Canada. Contact mainprocredits@cfpc.ca for more information.

  • Meets World Federation of Medical Education standards.

  • Has been independently developed with subject experts and does not receive education grants from any pharmaceutical company.

To learn more about the delivery of certificates in Australia and overseas, please visit our FAQs.

Pathways

Professional Diploma Pathway

This course is the second stage of the three-part Professional Diploma of Medicinal Cannabis. The education pathway is Professional Certificate of Medicinal Cannabis, Advanced Certificate of Medicinal Cannabis and Professional Diploma of Medicinal Cannabis.  

GPs working in Australia (except for in Tasmania) may prescribe plant-based therapies, however, as part of the guidelines of the TGA SAS-B, you will need to indicate that you have the knowledge necessary to do so. This program will equip you with the knowledge required to manage and prescribe plant-based therapies for various conditions and can serve as part of your documentation showing that you have undertaken education in this field when you decide to become an authorised prescriber. More information here.

University quality-assured and CPD-accredited education provider

This organisation is an RACGP-accredited CPD provider under the RACGP CPD Program.

RACGP logo
ACRRM logo
AMA
Bond-Sep-09-2026-05-46-43-7981-AM
Griffith
IDS-1
Graz
Vienna
University of South Wales
Torrens
NSCC-2
Rila
UQ logo

Frequently asked questions

What are the costs and payment options of the course?

Fees will vary based on the program and study option selected (fully online vs online + optional practical workshop). Payments can be made upfront or in monthly instalments. Special rates and various payment options are available. GP registrars and doctors in training enjoy a scholarship of up to $500. Talk to us to learn more.

What is the Alumni Support Program?

Completion of any HealthCert course or attendance at an event will enable you to access the HealthCert Alumni Program which includes:

  • Access to special alumni rates for new courses when they are released.

  • Special alumni price for HealthCert Conferences.

  • Exclusive advanced access to HealthCert events.

  • Regular Alumni Webinars pertaining to the course(s) you have attended. These will provide content review of the course and an opportunity to discuss case studies.

  • Access to the video lectures as seen during the course(s) that you have attended.

How will I receive my certificate?

HealthCert Education is pleased to issue digital credentials for alumni. Digital credentials are a permanent online record of your successful completion of a HealthCert course and are issued to all course participants in addition to PDF certificates. If you are based in Australia, you also have the option to order a hard copy of your digital certificate for a small additional fee.

How long will the course take to complete?

The recommended study duration of this certificate course is listed at the top of this page. The estimated duration includes study of the pre-course activities and readings, online lectures, live tutorials, and online assessment. This self-paced course offers the flexibility of 100% online study in your own time, at your own pace, in your own home or office, with no mandatory face-to-face requirements. You are not required to be online at specific times but can view and replay video lectures at your convenience.

Is this course recognised in my country?

All HealthCert courses meet World Federation of Medical Education standards. This certificate course qualifies for CPD hours from the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP) and the Australian College of Rural and Remote Medicine (ACRRM) in Australia. It is recognised by the Royal New Zealand College of General Practitioners (RNZCGP) in New Zealand. It is recognised by the Hong Kong College of Family Physicians (HKCFP) in China. It is a self-submitted activity in Dubai and the United Kingdom. It is a self-submitted activity through the College of Family Physicians in Canada. If you live or work outside one of the above-mentioned countries, please contact us on admin@healthcert.com to discuss whether this course can be recognised in your country.

Cancellation policy: What happens if I can't attend a practical workshop?

Course/workshop cancellations and transfers policy

Should you be unable to attend a course or practical workshop you have registered for, please inform us asap at admin@healthcert.com so we can make your place available to waitlisted doctors.

Charges may apply for course/workshop cancellations and/or transfers. Click here for details.

What our alumni say

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