Prescription formats
Medical cannabis product types explained plainly
Flower, oil, capsules, sprays and cartridges describe different physical products and routes. The format does not tell you whether a medicine is suitable, equivalent to another product or authorised for a particular device.
Flower or flos.
Dried cannabis flower supplied as a medicinal product. Where prescribed for inhalation it is vaporised using an appropriate device, not smoked. A strain name does not guarantee the chemistry of every batch.
Oral oil.
A liquid formulation containing specified cannabinoids in a carrier. “Oil” does not identify its strength, cannabinoid ratio or directions. It is measured and used only as the dispensing label states.
Capsules.
A fixed pharmaceutical unit intended to be swallowed. A capsule’s contents, strength and release characteristics come from the exact product—not from the fact that it is a capsule.
Vape cartridges.
A prefilled inhalation product designed for a compatible device. It is not interchangeable with dried flower, refill liquids or consumer nicotine-vaping products. Do not decant, refill or use an undocumented device.
Licensed sprays and other medicines.
Some cannabis-based medicines have marketing authorisations for specific uses, such as an oromucosal spray or purified cannabidiol liquid. Licensed medicines and unlicensed CBPM “specials” have different regulatory status even when both contain cannabinoids.
Why the distinction matters.
Route changes absorption and timing; formulation changes concentration and measurement; device compatibility changes safe handling. None of those differences supplies a conversion or permission to substitute. Ask the prescriber or pharmacist before any change.
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