THE release of cannabis cultivation and manufacture licences (PD 28 Oct 16) has prompted the Society of Hospital Pharmacists of Australia (SHPA) to call for the development of common legislation across all states.
SHPA ceo Kristin Michaels said in a statement that an agreed Australia-wide approach to the use of cannabis for medicinal purposes was essential for ensuring public understanding of acceptable and unacceptable usage and to protect standards for medicines management.
"While there is substantial evidence for the benefits of medicinal cannabis in specific situations, the wide range of approved usage across different states of Australia sends mixed signals to the broader Australian public regarding both appropriate use and the expertise of medical authorities," Michaels said.
She went on to urge for clear unambiguous messages about acceptable use of medicinal cannabis as distinct from recreational, illegal use.
The Therapeutic Goods Administration has already posted guidance for consumers, health professionals and sponsors that are involved in providing patients with access to medicinal cannabis products as an unapproved drug through the Special Access Scheme (SAS) or Authorised Prescriber Scheme (PD 01 Nov).
"SHPA is well positioned to support different jurisdictions to find common ground for medicinal cannabis prescribing," Michaels said, adding that the SHPA could also support a national collaboration for ongoing monitoring and evaluation of medicinal cannabis in Australia.
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