The present invention overcomes the problems associated with existing
drug delivery systems by delivering cannabinoids transdermally. Preferably, the cannabinoids are delivered via an occlusive body (i.e., a patch) to alleviate harmful side effects and avoid gastrointestinal (first-pass)
metabolism of the
drug by the patient. A first aspect of the invention provides a method for relieving symptoms associated with illness or associated with the treatment of illness in a mammalian subject, comprising the steps of selecting at least one
cannabinoid from the group consisting of
cannabinol,
cannabidiol, nabilone, levonantradol, (−)-HU-210, (+)-HU-210, 11-hydroxy-Δ9-THC, Δ8-THC-11-oic acid, CP 55,940, and R(+)-WIN 55,212-2, selecting at least one
permeation enhancer from the group consisting of
propylene glycol monolaurate,
diethylene glycol monoethyl
ether, an oleoyl macrogolglyceride, a caprylocaproyl macrogolglyceride, and an
oleyl alcohol, and delivering the selected
cannabinoid and
permeation enhancer transdermally to treat an illness.