Cannabis too risky to legalise in Australia; Says, Australian Medical Association

In its submission to the Senate inquiry regarding the legalization of cannabis, the Australian Medical Association (AMA) staunchly opposes the move, emphasizing the potential risks and adverse health effects associated with recreational cannabis use.

Risks Highlighted by AMA

Professor Steve Robson, the President of the AMA, underscores the negative health impacts linked to cannabis use, expressing concern that its legalization for recreational purposes could convey a misleading message, especially to young Australians, that cannabis use is benign.

He references a recent systematic review revealing an increase in acute cannabis poisoning post-legalization in various countries.

The submission outlines the numerous detrimental health outcomes associated with recreational cannabis use, encompassing mental health issues like anxiety, panic attacks, paranoia, memory loss, and an elevated incidence of schizophrenia.

Additionally, it raises concerns about physical health conditions such as bronchitis, cancer, cardiovascular system damage, impaired brain function, and reaction time.

Calls for Improved Regulation and Health-Centric Approach

While opposing the legalization of cannabis, the AMA advocates for a revised approach to cannabis regulation, urging a shift from criminalizing its use to treating it primarily as a health concern.

Professor Robson stresses the need for harm reduction strategies, proposing alternatives like counselling, education, and diversion from the criminal justice system for cannabis users.

The submission also raises concerns about potential self-medication with recreational cannabis products and encourages patients to seek guidance from healthcare professionals for better treatment methods.

It emphasizes Australia’s established process for evaluating the safety, quality, and effectiveness of therapeutic products through the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA).

Prof. Robson emphasizes the limited evidence base for medicinal cannabis products and suggests exploring evidence-based treatments prescribed by healthcare providers before resorting to self-medication with cannabis products.

Debate Over Cannabis Legalization In Australia: Health Concerns and Policy Stances

For further details, you can read the full submission provided by the AMA Below.

The AMA does not support the Legalising Cannabis Bill 2023. The AMA is concerned that if cannabis were legalised for recreational purposes, it may increase health and social-related harms. This in turn may increase demand on an already overstretched healthcare system. The AMA supports methods to reduce the disproportionate rates of incarceration for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, including decriminalising personal cannabis use, and raising the age of criminal responsibility to 14. The AMA is also concerned that people may use recreational cannabis products to self-medicate when Australia already has an existing, high-quality process for assessing the safety, quality, and efficacy of therapeutic products through the TGA.

The AMA has opposed the Legalising Cannabis Bill 2023 in a submission to the Senate Legal and Constitutional Affairs Committee.