WITH the AFL season underway, AFL players and premierships coaches Alastair Clarkson (pictured) and Chris Scott have voiced support for more research into uses of medicinal cannabis as they highlight the effects of injuries from years of playing, resulting in conditions including chronic pain and concussion.
Both Clarkson and Scott have backed sports science company Levin Health as it prepares to commence its clinical trial with La Trobe University testing the effects of medicinal cannabis for chronic, musculoskeletal pain.
Clarkson has been vocal in sharing his battle with chronic pain over the past year, joining the Levin Health Sports Advisory Board, to help break down the stigma associated with medicinal cannabis.
Fellow Levin Health Advisory Board Member Dr James Stewart, has authored a submission on behalf of Levin Health to the Federal Government's Senate Community Affairs Committee inquiring about concussion and head trauma in sports and the potential of medicinal cannabis as a treatment option.
This submission recommends a randomised-controlled trial to credibly demonstrate whether medicinal cannabis can play a significant role in treating patients with Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI).
The news comes following the AFL's pledge to fund a study into the long-term effects of concussions and head knocks on players, and will begin recruiting participants this year for the 10-year study.
The AFL has also lodged a submission to an ongoing senate inquiry into the effects of head trauma sustained in contact sports.
The above article was sent to subscribers in Pharmacy Daily's issue from 03 Apr 23
To see the full newsletter, see the embedded issue below or CLICK HERE to download Pharmacy Daily from 03 Apr 23
