The present invention includes a transdermal patch which contains a pharmaceutically effective amount of a cannabinoid for delivery of the cannabinoid to the bloodstream of a user. The patch may comprise the following components: a backing and a skin-adhesive polymer matrix attached to one side of the backing, which includes a cannabinoid, a carrier agent, a terpene, and a permeation agent. The cannabinoid is capable of diffusing from the matrix in the transdermal patch into the bloodstream of the user, and may be used in methods for treating a patient suffering from a condition such as pain, nausea and emesis, convulsions, muscle spasm, inflammation, depression, and cachexia.
