CALLS for doctors not to prescribe medicinal cannabis products for patients living with chronic non-cancer pain, issued by the Faculty of Pain Medicine of the Australian and New Zealand College of Anaesthetists (ANZCA) are "behind the times", an industry leader believes.
Responding to the ANZCA's statement saying there was a lack of evidence to endorse the use of medicinal cannabis, MedReleaf Australia Co-Founder, Nathan Davis, said an "unofficial observational study" had demonstrated the safety and efficacy of the products.
"Patients who have been and are suffering are heading in droves to the caring GPs and specialists (including pain specialists) across Australia, to access medical cannabis," Davis said.
"There have been over 100,000 approvals provided for scripts and the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) has approved this medicine for over 200 medical conditions, with the majority prescribed for chronic pain, but also anxiety, insomnia and epilepsy.
"The fact that the TGA has provided pathways for any GP to prescribe for all of these conditions is an indication of product safety and a clear understanding of the prevailing attitudes of patients.
"It will take many years to construct clinical trials for a plant medicine that contains over 100 cannabinoids, all that act on the existing endocannabinoid system that all of us have.
"Most people who suffer from or have loved ones suffering from pain would much prefer the use of a safe and effective product with minimal side effects, rather than an opioid, with all of the associated serious adverse effects, a drug class commonly prescribed first line by specialists for the management of chronic pain.
"Of course, opioids and a range of other modalities do have a place in therapy for chronic pain but to denigrate this new medicine and the common sense of patients who have experienced the benefits of this medicine in this way is unhelpful.
"The intent by the ANZCA is behind the times and somewhat out of touch."
CLICK HERE to read the ANZCA statement.
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