Medicinal Cannabis in Australia: Balancing Relief and Skepticism

In Australia, thousands find solace in medicinal cannabis, easing conditions such as chronic pain and anorexia. Since the Federal Government relaxed restrictions in March 2018, over 3,100 medicinal cannabis scripts have been approved by the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA).

Yet, this number is just the tip of the iceberg, with an estimated 100,000 Australians resorting to self-medication with illegally acquired cannabis.

The Complexities of Cannabis Research

The illegal nature of cannabis and the plant’s intricate composition have posed challenges for research into its safety and efficacy.

With over 400 bioactive molecules, including 100 cannabinoids, cannabis’s therapeutic benefits revolve around delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD).

THC induces psychoactive effects, while CBD moderates the ‘high.’ The variability in THC and CBD ratios in different cannabis strains adds complexity.

The TGA acknowledges the challenges in drawing firm conclusions due to this variability, hindering the registration of medicinal cannabis as a prescription medicine.

Scientific Insights and Divergent Opinions

Scientific literature offers a mixed and inconclusive view of medicinal cannabis. While advocates tout its efficacy for conditions ranging from chronic pain to anxiety, critics, including leading medical experts, argue that limited quality evidence supports its use.

The TGA’s review identified “low to moderate” evidence for medicinal cannabis in multiple sclerosis-related pain.

For chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting, high-THC cannabis was deemed “as effective” as older drugs, though newer drugs have since surpassed them.

Chronic pain treatment with medicinal cannabis shows modest effects, with varying results in different studies.

The NDARC’s 2017 systematic review supported the effectiveness of cannabis in treating chronic pain, but subsequent updates emphasized the need for further research.

Cautious approaches are recommended, considering both potential benefits and side effects.

Medicinal Cannabis Accessibility in Australia: Challenges Persist

Palliative Care Considerations

In palliative care, there’s limited evidence supporting the benefits of medicinal cannabis for advanced cancer patients with chronic pain. Concerns about long-term usage are raised, though short-term management may be more acceptable.

The Call for More Research

Despite the ongoing debate, experts stress the importance of continued research into medicinal cannabis. The Lambert Initiative for Cannabinoid Therapeutics argues for a nuanced view, distinguishing between “poor evidence” and an “absence of evidence.”

While some advocate a more lenient approach, emphasizing the potential benefits for desperate patients, others endorse Australia’s cautious stance, emphasizing the need for rigorous data collection for safe long-term use.

In conclusion, medicinal cannabis in Australia remains a complex topic, balancing the quest for relief with the need for robust scientific understanding and cautious implementation.