All about Medicinal Cannabis
Medicinal Cannabis has become increasingly popular as a treatment alternative and could be suitable for a variety of conditions. Medicinal Cannabis can be legally prescribed in Australia once the required Commonwealth and/or state approvals have been given.
There are more ways to consume cannabis than smoking, like using oro-buccal sprays, capsules, tablets, and rubs.
That is why it is important to learn about the health benefits that might come with proper consumption and what treatments may be right for you.
What Is Medicinal Cannabis?
Medicinal cannabis is any type of cannabis product prescribed by a doctor to treat or relieve symptoms of a medical condition. This is in contrast to recreational cannabis, which is consumed illegally, without a prescription.
Some benefits come specifically with using medical cannabis products. Since medicinal cannabis is highly regulated and the prescribed products get tested, you can be confident they are safe to use. You will know where your products come from and that they will be quality.
Even more important, many cannabis products produced for medical purposes have isolated useful cannabinoids that can increase effectiveness, or reduce side effects when compared to unregulated products.
Active Ingredients
The active ingredients in medical marijuana are cannabinoids. There are hundreds of known cannabinoids but the two noteworthy ones are THC and CBD. These are the two most important when it comes to medicinal treatment potential.
THC is the psychoactive cannabinoid that is responsible for creating the high feeling associated with consuming marijuana products, among other medicinal properties.
CBD is a cannabinoid called cannabidiol. It is a non-psychoactive cannabinoid that might reduce the high effect THC produces while offering other medicinal benefits.
Cannabis Methods of Consumption
Medical marijuana is provided by a doctor who can prescribe medicine and can come in a variety of different mediums. There can be different delivery methods as well as different active chemicals. The best type for you to use will depend on the medical condition you seek treatment for. You can be taken orally, by inhalation or by transdermal application.
Types of Cannabis Products
Cannabis is a scheduled substance in Australia, which means it is regulated and you can't get it over the counter. The Theraputic Goods Administration (TGA) regulates medicinal cannabis in Australia and is in charge of approving all applications for the use of medical cannabis. They classify cannabis under three different headings. They are:
S8- controlled drugs: This covers cannabis and tetrahydrocannabinol, or THC. That is the cannabis Sativa plant, any part of the plant like buds or seeds, or extracted THC.
S4- prescription only: This covers CBD products extracted from the plant. They must contain only 2% or less of other cannabinoids.
S8- other substances: This covers the use of pharmaceuticals. Some examples are nabiximols, dronabinol, or nabilone.
The three types of medical cannabis available in Australia are:
Mainly CBD products
Mainly THC products
Combination CBD/THC products
What is Cannabis Prescribed For?
The legalisation of medical marijuana in Australia happened in 2016, and since then the list of medical conditions approved for treatment has continued to grow.
The list can change, and conditions are not guaranteed approval for treatment by cannabis, but these are some of the conditions that have been approved for patients using cannabis in the past:
Anorexia
Anxiety & Depression
Autism
Cancer or chronic illness
Chronic pain
Epilepsy and seizure management
Migraines
Opioid dependency
PTSD
Stress response
Tremors
Possible Side Effects
While medical marijuana use offers many benefits, there is the possibility of negative side effects to be aware of. Using medical marijuana lessens the likelihood of severe side effects as the products are controlled and tested.
CBD only products are likely to have the least amount of side effects associated with use since they contain only 2% or less of the psychoactive cannabinoid, THC. Still, here is a list of potential side effects you should be aware of:
Coughs
Diarrhoea
Dizziness
Drowsiness
Dry eyes, mouth, throat
Headache
Changes in appetite
Lightheadedness
Anxiety
If you use a product with high levels of THC, there is a possibility of experiencing more noticeable side effects like confusion, depression, feeling high, or feeling paranoid.
This is why it is important to talk to your doctor about your specific situation. They may be able to prescribe CBD, THC, or a CBD/THC combination medication depending on the treatment goals that best match your needs.
How to access Medicinal Cannabis
There are a few different pathways to obtain medicinal cannabis. The first option is getting a prescription from a doctor. Your general practitioner already knows your medical history and can fill out an application and send it directly to the Department of Health for approval.
Alternatively, an Authorised Prescriber is a doctor who has approval from the TGA to prescribe products for specific conditions.
The third access pathway to a medical marijuana prescription is to choose to take part in clinical trails. If this pathway interests you, first you need to find out which trials are available and talk to your doctor about taking part in one. It will be important for them to know about your medical treatment while monitoring your overall health.
Medicinal Cannabis at Riverview Medical Practice
At Riverview Medical Practice we have doctors who are Authorised Prescribers. We also are conducting a clinical trial in the form of an observational study, investigating the safety and further efficacy of a pharmaceutical-grade oro-buccal spray for the use of cancer and non-cancer-related pain.
Unlike some other clinics who prescribe cannabis, at Riverview Medical Practice we will consult with you from a holistic perspective.
The Consultation Process
An initial appointment (Assessment) is made with our Nurse and GP to discuss your condition and assess whether you would benefit from the treatment. You will need to have relevant information such as medical history, and letters from your GP or specialist. If deemed appropriate we make an application to the government for the necessary approvals (This process can take up to 2 weeks).
Once approved you will receive your Medicinal Cannabis Prescription and commence with your treatment under the supervision and guidance of a medical professional.
Follow up appointments are advised initially fortnightly to establish the correct dose and then monthly for the first 6 months to monitor progress and thereafter every 3-6 months as advised to obtain repeat scripts.
How do I make an Appointment?
Appointments can be made by phoning the Practice on 02 4739 6040 and speaking with our Practice Nurse.
Please Note: Your initial appointment to discuss eligibility and suitability for Medicinal Cannabis treatment does not guarantee a Prescription.
How much does Medicinal Cannabis Cost?
Initial Consultation $95
Follow up appointments $50
Medicinal Cannabis may cost between $110 - $220 per month. (cost dependent on pharmacy, product dispensed and dosage amount)
