Australia’s medicinal cannabis market is seeing unprecedented growth, with sales in the first half of 2024 expected to surpass those of the previous year, as patients increasingly turn to cannabis for therapeutic benefits. However, a new report by the Penington Institute raises concerns over the ethical practices of some clinics, which may be compromising patient care.
Surge in Medicinal Cannabis Spending
In the first half of 2024 alone, Australians spent an estimated $400 million on medicinal cannabis, a sharp increase from $234 million in 2022. Flower and oral liquid products have emerged as the most popular forms of cannabis used for medicinal purposes. The medicinal cannabis industry has flourished in Australia since the plant was legalized in 2016. Despite the lack of comprehensive scientific studies on cannabis’s full effectiveness, many patients have reported positive results in managing conditions such as chronic pain and anxiety.
Issues with High-Volume Prescriptions
While the financial success of the industry is evident, John Ryan, CEO of the Penington Institute, has expressed concerns about the quality of care provided by some medicinal cannabis clinics. Ryan pointed out that some clinics seem to prioritize “high-volume access over high-quality medical care,” a practice that risks putting patients at significant harm. As the industry continues to expand, more attention needs to be focused on ensuring that patients receive adequate, personalized care.
The rise of telehealth providers and easily accessible clinics has made obtaining prescriptions for medicinal cannabis relatively simple, with some patients noting that it’s easier to secure a prescription than to obtain the drug through illicit means. This accessibility, however, also means that the potential for unethical prescribing practices may be increasing.
Who is Using Medicinal Cannabis?
According to the latest National Drug Household Survey, approximately 700,000 Australians used cannabis for medical purposes between 2022 and 2023, with more than 200,000 accessing it through a prescription. Despite this growing number, most medicinal cannabis products in Australia are not registered medicines and require patients to seek access through the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA).
Doctors must apply to the TGA on behalf of patients under two approval schemes: the Special Access Scheme (SAS) and the Authorised Prescriber Scheme. Data from the SAS reveals that 59% of medicinal cannabis prescriptions were for men, primarily seeking treatment for chronic pain and anxiety.
Lack of Regulation Raises Concerns
A key concern highlighted in the Penington Institute report is the lack of comprehensive data collection on patients using medicinal cannabis, particularly under the Authorised Prescriber Scheme. As this scheme does not collect patient data, it becomes challenging to assess the broader impact and ensure that prescribing practices align with patient needs and safety.
Calls for Relaxing Cannabis Criminalisation Policies
In light of the soaring sales of medicinal cannabis and the growing number of patients using it, there are increasing calls for Australia to reconsider its stance on cannabis criminalisation. Advocates argue that relaxing cannabis-related policies could lead to better regulation, improved access to quality care, and ultimately save money on policing efforts, which could be redirected toward more pressing public health concerns.
