Medication
What is medicinal cannabis?
Medicinal cannabis, also known as medical marijuana, refers to the use of cannabis or its cannabinoids for medical purposes to alleviate symptoms or treat certain medical conditions. Cannabis contains numerous active compounds, including tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD), which have been shown to have therapeutic effects.
Medicinal cannabis is typically used to relieve symptoms associated with a variety of medical conditions, including chronic pain, anxiety, epilepsy, multiple sclerosis, Crohn's disease, and chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting. It may be used in the form of dried flower, oil, or other products, and may be prescribed by a licensed healthcare practitioner.
In Australia, medicinal cannabis refers to the use of cannabis or cannabis products for medical purposes to alleviate symptoms or treat certain medical conditions. Medicinal cannabis products are prescribed by a medical practitioner and obtained through a licensed pharmacy.
Access to medicinal cannabis in Australia is regulated by the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA), which is responsible for assessing and approving medicinal cannabis products for use in Australia. To access medicinal cannabis, patients must first obtain a prescription from a medical practitioner who is authorized to prescribe medicinal cannabis.
The medical practitioner will assess the patient's medical condition and determine whether medicinal cannabis is an appropriate treatment option. If so, the medical practitioner will apply to the TGA for approval to prescribe a particular medicinal cannabis product.
Once the TGA approves the application, the patient can obtain the medicinal cannabis product from a licensed pharmacy. Medicinal cannabis products available in Australia include oils, capsules, sprays, and dried flower.
It's important to note that while medicinal cannabis is legal in Australia, it remains a highly regulated substance and is only available to patients who meet certain criteria and obtain a prescription from a medical practitioner.
References
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Lynch, M. E., Campbell, F. (2011). Cannabinoids for Treatment of Chronic Non-Cancer Pain: A Systematic Review of Randomized Trials. British Journal of Clinical Pharmacology, 72(5), 735-744. doi: 10.1111/j.1365-2125.2011.03970.x
Hill, K. P. (2015). Medical Marijuana for Treatment of Chronic Pain and Other Medical and Psychiatric Problems: A Clinical Review. JAMA, 313(24), 2474-2483. doi: 10.1001/jama.2015.6199
Zuardi, A. W. (2008). Cannabidiol: From an Inactive Cannabinoid to a Drug with Wide Spectrum of Action. Revista Brasileira de Psiquiatria, 30(3), 271-280. doi: 10.1590/S1516-44462008000300015
National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine. (2017). The Health Effects of Cannabis and Cannabinoids: The Current State of Evidence and Recommendations for Research. National Academies Press. doi: 10.17226/24625
Grant, I., Cahn, B. R. (2005). Cannabis and Endocannabinoid Modulators: Therapeutic Promises and Challenges. Clinical Neuroscience Research, 5(2-4), 185-199. doi: 10.1016/j.cnr.2005.08.001
Hazekamp, A., Ware, M. A., Muller-Vahl, K. R., Abrams, D., & Grotenhermen, F. (2013). The Medicinal Use of Cannabis and Cannabinoids—An International Cross-Sectional Survey on Administration Forms. Journal of Psychoactive Drugs, 45(3), 199-210. doi: 10.1080/02791072.2013.796341
Please note that the specific use of medical cannabis may vary depending on the condition being treated and the specific patient, and it is important to consult with a healthcare professional for personalised advice.