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Professional Certificate of Medicinal Cannabis

Acquire the knowledge to safely apply plant-based therapy as a medicinal tool for patients with common ailments in primary care.

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Professional Certificate of Medicinal Cannabis

CPD

32.5 hrs Education
45 hrs Performance
8.5 hrs Outcome

Delivery

Fully online
Learn from
anywhere

Duration

77.5 hours
Self-paced
Start anytime

Overview

This evidence-backed, science-based online program teaches how and why plant-based therapies work, enabling you to provide holistic care and optimal outcomes for your patients.

Who it is for and what you will learn:

  • Learn about the endocannabinoid system and the properties of THC and CBD.

  • Explore the routes of administration, side effects and contraindications of plant-based therapies.

  • 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.

You are here

Advanced Certificate

Develop advanced techniques and diagnostic capabilities.

Learn more

Professional Diploma

Master complex cases and achieve high-level clinical proficiency.

Learn more

Learning outcomes

  • Gain insights into plant-based therapy history and medical acceptance, and debunk preconceived ideas.

  • Provide alternative treatment options for common chronic conditions and pain management.

  • Support patients with anxiety, insomnia, autoimmune disorders, IBS, autism, diabetes, hypertension, skin conditions, respiratory conditions, and more using plant-based therapy.

  • Improve the quality of life for cancer patients through symptomatic treatment methods.

  • Explore the endocannabinoid system and understand the application of cannabinoids as well as their side effects and contraindications.

  • Gain a plant-based therapy certification online with comprehensive CBD training that teaches how to improve patient outcomes with plant-based therapy, especially for patients with chronic health conditions.

Course contents

History of Cannabis and Medical Acceptance

The "History of Cannabis and Medical Acceptance" course offers a deep dive into the historical and scientific evolution of cannabis, focusing on its use as a medicinal plant. Participants will explore the role of cannabis in ancient cultures, its criminalization in modern history, and the resurgence of interest in its medical applications. Through expert-led discussions, the course covers key developments in cannabinoid science, legal milestones, and safety considerations for medical cannabis use. Ideal for healthcare professionals seeking an understanding of cannabis in medicine, this course provides both historical context and current regulatory insights.

Introduction to the Endocannabinoid System
Unlock the complexities of the endocannabinoid system with this foundational course designed for healthcare professionals. Explore the system's role in maintaining homeostasis, including its impact on pain management, mood regulation, energy balance, and stress coping. Gain insights into key components like endocannabinoids, receptors, and enzymes, as well as therapeutic applications of cannabinoids like THC and CBD. With a focus on evidence-based learning, this course equips you with the knowledge to understand how targeting the endocannabinoid system can influence various health conditions and improve patient outcomes.
The major phytocannabinoids: THC and CBD
Dive into the science behind the two primary phytocannabinoids, THC and CBD, in this comprehensive course led by Associate Professor Jonathan Arnold. Explore their chemical structures, mechanisms of action, therapeutic uses, and safety profiles. Learn about the unique effects of each compound, including their roles in chronic pain, epilepsy, anxiety, and more. This course also delves into concepts like the entourage effect, chemovars, and whole-plant medicine, offering valuable insights for healthcare professionals. Through evidence-based discussions, case studies, and interactive activities, gain the expertise to navigate the complexities of medicinal cannabis and its integration into clinical practice.
Medicinal Cannabis - Routes of Administration, Side Effects and Contra Indications

The "Medicinal Cannabis: Routes of Administration, Side Effects, and Contraindications" course provides healthcare professionals with an in-depth understanding of the safe and effective use of medicinal cannabis. Covering various routes of administration such as inhalation, oral, and topical applications, the course delves into the pharmacokinetics, side effects, and contraindications of cannabis use. It also examines drug interactions, particularly those involving cytochrome P450 enzymes. This course is ideal for practitioners looking to expand their knowledge of medicinal cannabis to enhance patient care and outcomes.

Medicinal Cannabis - Patient Cases and Basic Ailments
The "Medicinal Cannabis - Patient Cases and Basic Ailments" course offers healthcare professionals practical insights into using medicinal cannabis for treating common ailments. Through real-life patient cases and myth-busting information, participants will explore the therapeutic benefits of medicinal cannabis, including its use in managing chronic pain, anxiety, insomnia, and other basic conditions. The course covers dosing guidelines, safety considerations, and treatment strategies, providing a solid foundation for incorporating medicinal cannabis into clinical practice.
Chronic Pain and Medicinal Cannabis

Chronic Pain and Medicinal Cannabis
The "Chronic Pain and Medicinal Cannabis" course provides healthcare professionals with a comprehensive understanding of the role of medicinal cannabis in managing chronic pain. This course covers the types of pain responsive to cannabinoids, including neuropathic and inflammatory pain, and details the mechanisms of how cannabinoids work within the body. Participants will learn about proper dosing, the interplay between THC and CBD, and how to incorporate cannabis into existing pain management protocols. Led by Dr. John Teh, this course is designed to equip practitioners with the knowledge to safely and effectively use medicinal cannabis for chronic pain relief.

Medicinal Cannabis - Anxiety, Insomnia and Depression

The "Medicinal Cannabis: Anxiety, Insomnia, and Depression" course provides healthcare professionals with an in-depth exploration of how medicinal cannabis can be utilised to manage anxiety, depression, and sleep disorders. The course covers the therapeutic roles of THC, CBD, and other cannabinoids, offering practical guidance on dosing protocols, routes of administration, and managing side effects. With a focus on evidence-based treatments, participants will learn how to tailor medicinal cannabis use to meet the needs of patients suffering from mental health and sleep disorders.

Medicinal Cannabis - Cancer Symptomatic Treatment

The "Medicinal Cannabis - Cancer Symptomatic Treatment" course provides healthcare professionals with the knowledge and practical tools to utilize medicinal cannabis in the management of cancer-related symptoms. Focusing on the role of cannabinoids in relieving chemotherapy-induced nausea, vomiting, cancer pain, and improving quality of life, the course combines theory with real patient case studies. Participants will learn about dosing, formulation selection, and side effect management. This course is ideal for clinicians interested in integrating medicinal cannabis as a supplementary treatment in cancer care.

Meet your instructors

Professor Jonathon Arnold Course Chair Professor Jonathon Arnold Prof Cannabinoid Pharmacology
Professor Jonathon Arnold Course Chair Professor Jonathon Arnold Prof Cannabinoid Pharmacology
Professor Jonathon Arnold Course Chair Professor Jonathon Arnold Prof Cannabinoid Pharmacology
Dr John Teh Dr John Teh MBBS
Dr Joe Kosterich Course Chair Dr Joe Kosterich MBBS
Dr John Teh Dr John Teh MBBS
Dr Harry McIlroy Dr Harry McIlroy MD
Dr Joe Kosterich Course Chair Dr Joe Kosterich MBBS

Other ways to study this topic

Workshop

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

View workshop dates

Short courses

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

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HealthCert 365

Access selected content from this certificate, plus 4,000+ hours of other CPD across a wide range of clinical areas.

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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
411963 38340 History of Cannabis and Medical Acceptance 4.0 5.0
411966 38342 Introduction to the Endocannabinoid System 4.0 5.0
411970 38351 The major phytocannabinoids: THC and CBD 4.0 5.0
414126 38354 Medicinal Cannabis - Routes of Administration, Side Effects and Contra Indications 4.0 6.0
411977 38362 Medicinal Cannabis - Patient Cases and Basic Ailments 4.5 6.0
411982 38363 Chronic Pain and Medicinal Cannabis 4.0 6.0
414131 38364 Medicinal Cannabis - Anxiety, Insomnia and Depression 4.0 6.0
411989 38365 Medicinal Cannabis - Cancer Symptomatic Treatment 4.0 6.0
Total hours 32.5 45.0

*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 Professional Certificate of Medicinal Cannabis is suitable for physicians, nurse practitioners, and degree-qualified nurses. There are no prerequisites.

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 a Professional 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 first 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 therapy, 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 therapy 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

Join thousands of doctors who have advanced their clinical practice with our certificate courses.

"HealthCert courses have become the standard by which you gauge all others."

Dr K. Abolarinwa

"Good, courses with excellent speakers. I particularly enjoyed the case study scenarios which helped to integrate the knowledge gained."

- Dr A. Tucker

"This is the pathway to improve your confidence and evolve into the GP you aspire to be"

- Dr S. Shinwari

Get in touch with us

Our Education Advisors can assist you with any queries and tailor your education pathway to suit your current expertise, interests and career goals.

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Richard Silsby

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Campbell Elton

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