Medicinal Cannabis: Separating Fact from Fiction
Medicinal cannabis can be a complex and misunderstood area of healthcare. Learn about CBD, THC, how medicinal cannabis is prescribed in Australia, and when it may be considered as a treatment option.
Medicinal cannabis has gained increasing attention in recent years, but confusion remains. Many people have heard of CBD and THC but aren’t sure what they mean or whether medicinal cannabis is appropriate for them.
CBD (cannabidiol) and THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) are two naturally occurring compounds found in the cannabis plant. Although they come from the same plant, they have very different effects. THC is the component that can produce intoxicating effects or the feeling of being “high”, whereas CBD does not have these effects. Depending on your condition and individual circumstances, some patients are prescribed CBD-only products, while others may benefit from THC-containing products or a combination of both.
A common misconception is that medicinal cannabis is smoked. In Australia, prescribed medicinal cannabis is supplied as regulated pharmaceutical products, most commonly as oils, capsules or oral sprays.
Medicinal cannabis is not considered a first-line treatment for most conditions. It may be considered when conventional treatments have not provided adequate relief or have caused unacceptable side effects. The strongest evidence currently supports its use in selected patients with chronic non-cancer pain, chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting, multiple sclerosis-related muscle spasticity, certain forms of epilepsy and palliative care. Evidence for anxiety and sleep disorders remains limited, and treatment should be individualised.
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Fact Check
Myth: Medicinal cannabis is the same as recreational cannabis.
Fact: Medicinal cannabis products are prescribed under medical supervision, with carefully selected formulations, doses and ongoing review.
Myth: Everyone prescribed medicinal cannabis receives THC.
Fact: Not necessarily. Many patients are prescribed CBD-only products, which do not produce the intoxicating effects associated with THC.
Myth: Anyone can obtain a prescription.
Fact: Medicinal cannabis isn’t suitable for everyone. Your doctor will assess your medical history, current medications, previous treatments and treatment goals before deciding whether it is an appropriate option.
Medicinal cannabis isn’t suitable for everyone. It is generally not recommended for people with a history of psychosis and requires extra caution during pregnancy, breastfeeding and with some mental health conditions or interacting medicines.
If your prescribed medicinal cannabis contains THC, it is important to understand how this may affect your ability to legally drive. THC is the component detected by roadside drug testing, and it may remain detectable even when you no longer feel impaired. Driving laws relating to prescribed medicinal cannabis vary between states and territories and can change, so patients should understand the current laws that apply where they drive.
If you’re wondering whether medicinal cannabis is right for you, speak with your GP. The goal is to find the safest and most effective treatment for your individual circumstances, which may or may not include medicinal cannabis.
Dr Vassili Lapchine, General Practitioner & Jonathon Somers, Occupational Therapist & Clinical Coordinator, Emerald Medical Centre
