The review required reported peak concentrations and times to peak. Its study count therefore reflects a pharmacokinetic eligibility rule, not the total number of trials involving oral cannabis.
The inclusion rule was specific
Included studies had to follow a pharmacokinetic model and report at least maximum concentration, Cmax, and time to that maximum, Tmax. Oral administration was required, although studies could also include other routes. Single-dose studies were preferred; repeated-dose studies could qualify when blood was collected at several times after initial dosing.
Animal studies and specified other cannabinoid interventions were excluded. Clinical work without the required concentration-time information could therefore be relevant to other questions while not contributing to this synthesis.
Peak eligibility does not make peak exposure a clinical endpoint
Cmax describes the highest observed or estimated concentration under a sampling design. Tmax describes its timing. Neither independently measures pain relief, cognition, adverse-event severity or driving performance. A review designed around these variables cannot be treated as a comprehensive efficacy review.
Match the citation to the claim
Use the paper to discuss formulation-dependent exposure and the limitations of the studied pharmacokinetic datasets. If the claim concerns symptom improvement or functional recovery, identify evidence that actually measured it. Twenty-six included studies do not represent twenty-six demonstrations of therapeutic benefit or a common safe oral-THC regimen.
Related reading: limits of identifying cannabis sources.
Research cited
Poyatos and colleagues (2020). Oral Administration of Cannabis and Δ-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) Preparations: A Systematic Review. DOI: 10.3390/medicina56060309.
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