CANNABIS-BASED medicines should only be used under medical supervision until clinical studies have assessed their safety and efficacy, a University of Queensland drug expert has cautioned.
Professor Wayne Hall from UQ's Centre for Youth Substance Abuse Research said a survey on cannabis use to treat anxiety, depression, pain and sleep difficulties highlighted the need for evidence-based research.
"While participants suggested that cannabis was effective in treating their primary problems, they also experienced side effects including drowsiness, lethargy, memory impairment and paranoia," Hall said.
In commentary published by the Medical Journal of Australia, Hall said the survey provided useful information about Australians using illicit cannabis for medical purposes, but the sample was not representative of the general population - uq.edu.au.
Further trials are under way to inform future treatment options.
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