Medicinal cannabis is a fast, new, and growing industry with new products and uses being discovered all the time.

As the industry grows, so does the need for information on how to use cannabis medicinally and where it best fits in the medical sphere. Both internationally and domestically in Australia, research on medicinal cannabis continues to be undertaken with the aim of discovering more about how it can be used to treat a variety of ailments.

Keep reading to find out what exactly medicinal cannabis is and what ailments research has indicated that it may treat.

What is Medicinal Cannabis?

Medicinal cannabis, also known as medical marijuana, is the use of the cannabis plant or its derivatives to treat certain medical conditions or symptoms. The cannabis plant contains various cannabinoids, which are chemicals that act on cannabinoid receptors in the body. The two best-known cannabinoids are THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) and CBD (cannabidiol).

THC is the cannabinoid that is responsible for the psychoactive effects of cannabis, while CBD does not cause these effects. Research from the Healthline publication has shown that both THC and CBD can have medicinal benefits, but THC also may have some more potential for negative side effects. This is due to the fact that THC binds more strongly to cannabinoid receptors than CBD does.

The amount of THC in a medicinal cannabis product is tightly controlled. Products with more than 0.0075% THC content are considered schedule 9 drugs in Australia, which means they can only be supplied by prescription and are not able to be legally accessed without a prescription.

Scientific studies have found that medical cannabis may have therapeutic effects for a number of medical conditions, including chronic pain, inflammation, nausea, anxiety, and seizure disorders. Some research published in the Journal of Pharmacopuncture also suggests that cannabinoids may be able to help with other conditions as well, such as Alzheimer’s disease and cancer. Bear in mind that rather than treating the cause of health conditions, medicinal cannabis is most used to manage the severity of symptoms.

Cannabinoids can be taken in various forms, including:

• Oils
• Tinctures
• Capsules
• Vaping liquids
• Edibles (foods and drinks that contain cannabis)
• Topical products (such as creams or balms)

In the case of medicinal cannabis, most patients ingest cannabinoids via capsules, although oils are sometimes used as well. The effects of cannabinoids may vary depending on how they are taken and the individual. For example, when taking CBD oil sublingually (under the tongue), the effects may be felt within 15 minutes. When smoking or vaping cannabis, the effects are usually felt within a few minutes and peak within 30 minutes. The effects of edible medicinal cannabis products can take up to two hours to peak.

The use of cannabis for medicinal purposes is still somewhat controversial. This is due to the fact that marijuana may have a high potential for abuse and no concrete, accepted medical use. However, an increasing number of countries around the world (including Australia) are legalising the use of medicinal cannabis, although the industry is still tightly regulated.

What are the benefits of medicinal cannabis?

The benefits of medicinal cannabis (besides their potential validity as a valid treatment option for many health conditions) are still largely unclear due to the lack of research.

Some reported benefits of medicinal cannabis from the Harvard Medical School include:

• Pain relief and control
• Acting as a relaxant for anxiety
• Nausea and weight loss management

Another possible benefit of medicinal cannabis is that it may be safer than traditional medication such as opiates (less likely to be overdosed on and also less addictive) and may be an alternative to NSAIDs such as Advil or Aleve if people can’t take the later drugs due to problems with their kidneys, stomachs or ulcers.

What are the long term effects of medicinal cannabis?

The long term effects of medicinal cannabis are also (largely) another mystery in the field of medicine. Because it hasn’t been used for as long as many other medications, there is a lack of data when it comes to the long term effects.

However, some studies from Musculoskeletal Australia have been conducted that suggest there may be some risks associated with the use of medicinal cannabis containing THC.

These risks include:

• Sedation
• Anxiety
• Dizziness
• Appetite stimulation
• Impairments in driving and cognitive function

These risks are relatively low and are mostly associated with the smoking of cannabis rather than other methods of medicinal cannabis ingestion (edibles, oils, etc.). It’s important to note that many of these risks can be mitigated by choosing a method of ingestion that doesn’t involve smoking, and correctly managing medicinal cannabis intake with a medical professional.

Medicinal Cannabis and Ailments

Medicinal cannabis may be a viable care method for many common ailments Australians suffer from every day.

What can medicinal cannabis be prescribed for?

Medicinal cannabis may be prescribed to treat and manage symptoms for a wide range of conditions, including:

• Chronic pain
• Muscle spasms
• Nausea and vomiting (associated with cancer chemotherapy)
• Loss of appetite (associated with HIV/AIDS)
• Anxiety and depression
• Sleep disorders
• Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

Medicinal cannabis is also being researched as a possible treatment for other conditions such as:

• Epilepsy
• Multiple sclerosis (MS)
• Fibromyalgia
• ADHD

While there is promising research in these areas, more clinical trials are needed to assess the safety and efficacy of medicinal cannabis for these conditions.

Medicinal Cannabis in Australia

In Australia, government bodies such as the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) and the National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) are responsible for ensuring that medicinal cannabis products are of a high quality and standard. This includes making sure that any products available for use meet certain requirements for safety, efficacy, and quality.

Research surrounding medicinal cannabis use in Australia is ongoing. The Australian Government is investing $3 million into research and clinical trials investigating the therapeutic benefits of medicinal cannabis, and has created a national registration system for medicinal cannabis products.

The TGA also has a Medicinal Cannabis Hub curated with research and resources for consumers, health professionals, sponsors, and manufacturers on access and use of medicinal cannabis. It prioritises providing information on the appropriate uses of medicinal cannabis and access pathways.

The use of medicinal cannabis is a complex and emerging area. There is currently only limited evidence to support its use for specific conditions. More research is needed to better understand the potential risks and benefits of using medicinal cannabis products.

As more research is conducted and evidence emerges, it is likely that the use of medicinal cannabis will become more commonplace in Australia.

FAQs - Medicinal Cannabinoids Australia and Ailments

Below, we answer some of the most frequently asked questions concerning legal medicinal cannabis products and how they may care for certain ailments in Australia.

How many states/territories in Australia have legalised medicinal cannabis?

Medicinal cannabis is legal Australia-wide (while recreational cannabis use is illegal in every state and territory besides ACT).

In order to access medicinal cannabis in Australia, patients must first obtain a prescription from a medical practitioner who is registered with the relevant state/territory authority. The prescribing medical practitioner must then apply for approval from the Therapeutic Goods Administration. Approval is usually only granted under one of three schemes; Special Access Scheme (for a particular patient), Authorised Prescriber Scheme (for a particular group of patients), or Clinical Trial Scheme (for a particular group of patients).

The TGA is currently the only body in Australia that can approve the use of medicinal cannabis products and allow medical practitioners to access medicinal cannabis products and prescribe them to patients.

Is medicinal cannabis legal in Sydney?

Yes, prescribed medicinal cannabis products are in Sydney. However, as with the rest of Australia, it can only be prescribed by a medical practitioner and must be approved by the TGA.

How does medicinal cannabis work?

The mechanisms by which most medicinal cannabis products work are not fully understood. It is thought that the active ingredients in cannabis, known as cannabinoids, work by binding to receptors in the brain and body which modulate pain, inflammation and other functions.

More research is being conducted on the workings of medicinal cannabis on the human body so that it can be used safely and effectively for the appropriate management of health conditions and their symptoms.

Can doctors prescribe cannabis in Australia?

Doctors can prescribe medicinal cannabis products to patients if they have the relevant state or territory approval from the TGA (if not already approved under the Special Access Scheme, Authorised Prescriber Scheme or Clinical Trial Scheme). They will need to make sure that they apply for the appropriate medicinal cannabis product to prescribe.

They will also need to provide the TGA with the correct diagnosis and supporting documentation on other treatment options that have been trialed and failled (to justify turning to medicinal cannabis).

How long does TGA approval take for medicinal cannabis?

The TGA approval process for prescribing medicinal cannabis products can take several weeks. However, if the patient is already approved under the Special Access Scheme, Authorised Prescriber Scheme or Clinical Trial Scheme, then the doctor may be able to prescribe immediately. Medical practitioners will be notified of any unapproved medicinal cannabis products.