Since 2016, when Australia legalized cannabis cultivation for medical purposes under strict regulations, the interest in this plant has skyrocketed. With an estimated worth of AU$141 million in 2023 and a global market value of US$21 billion, it’s clear that medical cannabis is not just a passing trend but a booming industry on the rise.
But what sets “medicinal
” cannabis apart from the recreational use often associated with getting high? According to Dr. Orit Holtzman, a renowned functional medicine practitioner and expert in cannabinoid therapies, medical cannabis is simply the use of the cannabis plant as medication. This can include various forms such as oils, capsules, vaporizers, and topical creams which are accessed through prescriptions due to stringent controls imposed by regulatory bodies like the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA).
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In reality, within most states of Australia, medical use of the plant is highly controlled and restricted to pharmaceutical products accessed through a prescription,” explains Dr. Holtzman. The most common form of medicinal cannabis used today is oil-based products that contain different ratios of cannabinoids like CBD (cannabidiol) or THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), each known for their unique therapeutic properties.
However, accessing medical cannabis is not as simple as walking into a store and buying it off the shelf. In Australia, laws stipulate that medicinal cannabis can only be obtained through authorized healthcare practitioners via prescriptions from registered doctors or nurse practitioners. Purchasing it independently online or importing it without proper authorization is illegal.
The legalization landscape varies across countries like Canada and Germany where both recreational and medical uses are permitted while others have more stringent regulations like those seen in Australia. For instance, in the Australian Capital Territory (ACT), residents over 18 can grow limited amounts for personal use following laws enacted in 2020.
When it comes to approved medicinal products, there are currently only two listed on the Australian Register of Therapeutic Goods – Nabiximols (Sativex) containing THC and CBD for multiple sclerosis treatment and Cannabidiol (Epidyolex) approved for specific forms of epilepsy in children. Other unapproved products can be accessed under certain schemes supervised by healthcare professionals on a case-by-case basis.
The debate between THC and CBD – two prominent cannabinoids found in cannabis – remains at the forefront of discussions surrounding its efficacy. While THC is known for its psychoactive effects responsible for feeling high; CBD offers anti-inflammatory properties without any mind-altering effects but holds promise against conditions such as epilepsy according to Chinese researchers.
Historically speaking about Cannabis sativa’s uses dates back centuries showing evidence in ancient texts dating back to 2800 BC highlighting its diverse applications ranging from fiber production to medicinal treatments for various ailments including eye diseases and pain relief.
In recent times there has been an upward trend seen with nearly 700,000 Australians reportedly using medical cannabis between 2022-2023 based on data from health institutions although legal prescriptions cover only a fraction indicating potential gaps in access possibly due to cost considerations which can range widely based on product type and dosage needs.
Research plays a crucial role in validating claims around medicinal cannabis efficacy with ongoing studies exploring new avenues beyond well-known cannabinoids like CBD & THC offering potential breakthroughs particularly notable regarding minor cannabinoids such as CBG showing promise against anxiety disorders according to Dr. Holtzman who actively participates in clinical trials exploring these frontiers.
Moreover understanding personalized responses to treatment regimens underscores how individual factors influence outcomes making supervision by trained professionals essential ensuring tailored approaches are taken addressing unique patient needs effectively showcasing how this evolving field continues unlocking new possibilities daily.
