At The Bennelong Medical Clinic, we are always exploring new ways to support patients in their health journey. Cannabis-based treatments are relatively new in Australia and are showing positive signs in assisting patients in the management of chronic pain and other medical conditions. However, the ability to prescribe medicinal cannabis is tightly regulated. It is worth noting that medicinal cannabis can only be prescribed as a last resort where all other avenues for management have been exhausted, so there is a rigorous process we must follow before any patient is introduced to medicinal cannabis.
The Bennelong Medical Clinic has 2 General Practitioners who are authorised prescribers of medicinal cannabis – Dr Margaret Bryce and Dr Ata Eshragi. Dr Bryce has category 2 approval whilst Dr Eshragi is approved in all 5 categories.
Research is still evolving in this field, so we put together an explainer for what we know now, and how it is being used in our practice.
MEDICINAL CANNABIS IN AUSTRALIA
Medicinal cannabis was regulated in Australia in 2016 to provide patients with access to safe and effective cannabis-based treatments for a range of medical conditions including chronic pain, epilepsy, multiple sclerosis, nausea and vomiting associated with chemotherapy, and some mental health conditions such as anxiety and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). It is contraindicated in some conditions.
The legislation around medicinal cannabis ensures that patients are accessing cannabis-based treatments that are safe, of high quality, and back by specific evidence. The regulation of medicinal cannabis in Australia involves strict controls on cultivation, manufacturing, distribution, and prescribing, to ensure that patients receive appropriate treatment and that the potential for harm is minimised. As with other regulated medications, these regulations intend to balance the need for patient access to effective treatments whilst preventing the misuse of cannabis.
THERAPEUTIC KNOWLEDGE OF MEDICINAL CANNABIS
The research on the use of medicinal cannabis is still evolving and, until recently, had been limited by the fact that cannabis was illegal in many countries including Australia. However, a growing body of research suggests that cannabis and its derivatives may have potential therapeutic benefits in the management of certain medical conditions.
How does medicinal cannabis work?
The active ingredients in cannabis, known as cannabinoids, have been found to interact with the body’s endocannabinoid system, which plays a role in regulating pain, mood, appetite, and other bodily functions. Cannabinoids such as THC and CBD have been studied for their potential to relieve pain, reduce inflammation, and improve sleep, among other benefits.
Are there any risks with taking medicinal cannabis?
There are risks associated with taking any medication, and it is important you discuss these with your doctor before commencing any course of medication. When it comes to medicinal cannabis, potential side effects include drowsiness, dizziness, and impaired coordination, as well as the risk of dependence and misuse. Within a general practice setting, cannabis is most regularly prescribed as an oil.
As the research grows, we will learn more about its risks, benefits, optimal doses, and modes of administration. Our team ensure they stay up to date with the most recent information as it becomes available.
HOW DO I EXPLORE THIS WITH MY DOCTOR
Who can prescribe medicinal cannabis?
Only medical practitioners who are authroised to prescribe controlled drugs can prescribe medicinal cannabis in Australia. Therefore, your regular GP may not be an authorised prescriber. GPs and other specialists prescribing medicinal cannabis need to complete specialised training before doing so, and are required to keep up with rigorous education requirements. We have 2 authorised prescribers at The Bennelong Medical Clinic – Dr Margaret Bryce and Dr Ata Eshragi.
Who can take medicinal cannabis?
In Australia, the prescription of medicinal cannabis is tightly regulated and is only available to patients who have a valid prescription from a healthcare professional. To be eligible for medicinal cannabis treatment, patients must have a medical condition that has not responded to conventional treatments or where conventional treatments are contraindicated. Therefore, it is important for our GPs to have a full understanding of your history and other medications you are taking before they are able to prescribe medicinal cannabis. Our practice specialises in the management of chronic anxiety and chronic pain, so if you are yet to receive treatment or want your treatment plan to be reviewed, we are happy to support you in that process.
How do I take medicinal cannabis if prescribed?
Patients can take medicinal cannabis in a variety of forms, depending on the product and the medical condition being treated. Within our clinic, the cannabis is most commonly prescribed as an oil which is taken orally. The dosage and frequency of administration should be determined by a healthcare professional and adjusted based on the patient’s response to the treatment.
It is important to note that the use of medicinal cannabis should be guided by a healthcare professional and that patients should never self-medicate or use cannabis products without proper guidance and oversight.
What will happen at my appointment?
Before prescribing medicinal cannabis, healthcare professionals must assess the patient’s medical history and current condition to determine if medicinal cannabis is an appropriate treatment option. They must also ensure that the patient is fully informed about the potential risks and benefits of treatment, as well as the appropriate dosage and method of administration.
You will need a 30-minute appointment with the prescribing doctor to cover all these areas thoroughly. If you are a patient that is new to our practice, you will most likely need 2 long appointments before a prescription can be approved. This allows for an initial consultation, time for the prescribing GP to receive input from your specialists and other supporting health professionals, and conduct a review with you.
If you are seeing a GP that is not your usual GP to explore this treatment option, it is worth coming prepared with a referral or health summary from your regular GP to assist in the understanding of your medical history and current conditions. Relevant information would include your current list of medications and the names and recent letters of specialists who have provided you with treatment for your condition(s). This step is recommended but is not required for the appointment.