Medical bodies sound alarm over 'unregulated' medicinal cannabis industry in letter to Health Minister Mark Butler
Two prominent medical bodies have warned of significant dangers over the "poorly regulated" medicinal cannabis industry in a letter to Health Minister Mark Butler.
The Australian Medical Association (AMA) and the Pharmacy Guild of Australia believe the prescription of the drug is being exploited and could have a particularly adverse effect on vulnerable individuals.
The letter expresses concerns over "coercive practices" from cannabis companies and believes the rapid expansion of the medicinal cannabis companies has exposed serious gaps in current regulations.
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The medicinal cannabis industry has grown rapidly, but this has explosed gaps in regulations, according to medical bodies. Jason South
"We are seeing a system that is being exploited — with prescriptions issued without proper clinical oversight and patients bypassing their regular GP and pharmacist," Professor Trent Twomey from the Pharmacy Guild of Australia said.
"What began as a special pathway for medication has now become the norm with thousands of products prescribed without safety, quality or efficacy controls."
In a submission to the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA), both bodies recommended an immediate suspension of cannabis products containing THC concentrations over 98 per cent, and have also requested a meeting with Butler to discuss several issues and recommendations they have.
These include cannabis being prescribed for conditions where there is little proof of the drug being an effective treatment, including depression.
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The AMA and Pharmacy Guild of Australia have requested a meeting with Health Minister Mark Butler to share their concerns and recommendations. Getty
"We recognise medicinal cannabis can be useful for some patients with specific conditions supported by evidence, such as epilepsy, chemotherapy-induced nausea, or muscle spasticity in multiple sclerosis," Dr Danielle McMullen from the AMA said.
"However, there is little or no evidence base for many of the conditions for which it is being prescribed, such as anxiety, insomnia or depression."
She said doctors around the country are becoming concerned at the adverse impact this is having on some users.
"We are seeing the use of medicinal cannabis for conditions where it is contraindicated or where its use should be under strict and/or ongoing supervision, and our members are increasingly reporting serious adverse outcomes for patients," she said.
The AMA is calling for stronger regulation from the federal government and other health agencies, including in the prescription and dispensing of the drug, and reforms to halt the proliferation of unapproved medicinal cannabis products in Australia.
Butler's office has been contacted for comment.
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