The growth of prescribing Medicinal Cannabis in Australia and New Zealand

As the prevalence of medicinal cannabis use and unprescribed cannabis consumption for conditions like insomnia, pain relief, and anxiety continues to rise among adults in Australia and New Zealand, a growing concern arises.

“Many patients opt for cannabis due to the perceived tolerability of its side effects in comparison to other medications. Nevertheless, it is paramount for doctors to be vigilant in recognizing and appropriately managing these side effects and related issues. ”

As the prevalence of medicinal cannabis use and unprescribed cannabis consumption for conditions like insomnia, pain relief, and anxiety continues to rise among adults in Australia and New Zealand, a growing concern arises. Just as it is important for employers to address concerns regarding workplace safety, it is imperative for healthcare professionals, particularly doctors, to engage in more open and informed discussions with patients regarding the potential health implications.

Many individuals resort to cannabis as a therapeutic option, so it is that we all rely upon healthcare professionals, particularly doctors, to engage in more open and informed discussions with patients regarding the potential health implications.

The legalization of medicinal cannabis prescriptions in our countries (AU/NZ) has led to a notable increase in its use, mirroring trends observed in the United States, where adult usage has surged sevenfold in the past decade. It is anticipated that similar prescribing patterns will emerge in Australia and New Zealand.
Doctors reluctance to address this topic stems in part from a lack of education on cannabis during their medical training. However, it is critical to acknowledge the potential serious side effects of cannabis use, especially when combined with certain medications. For instance, cannabis can interact adversely with drugs like warfarin and clobazam, leading to risks such as internal bleeding and harmful interactions. Additionally, anaesthesia requirements may be elevated for regular cannabis users, a crucial factor for doctors to consider when assessing a patient’s suitability for surgery.

Furthermore, some adults turn to cannabis to alleviate symptoms of depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). While cannabis can offer relief, healthcare professionals must address the root causes of these conditions and assess whether the use of medicinal THC conflicts with a patients work safety and ability to pass workplace drug tests.

Many patients opt for cannabis due to the perceived tolerability of its side effects in comparison to other medications. Nevertheless, it is paramount for doctors to be vigilant in recognizing and appropriately managing these side effects and related issues.

In summary, as the use of medicinal cannabis continues to grow among adults, it is imperative for doctors to foster open communication with patients and provide well-informed guidance on potential health and safety consequences. Additionally, advising patients on the disclosure of their cannabis use in the workplace should become an integral part of the counselling process when considering prescriptions. Better education for doctors about cannabis during their training will empower them to offer more comprehensive support to patients who are currently using cannabis or those prescribed Medicinal THC for medical purposes.