A Multi-Million Dollar Business in Australia: But at What Cost?

Medicinal Cannabis is Legal, but Costly

Medicinal cannabis has been legally available in Australia since 2016, allowing doctors to prescribe it for any medical condition when other approved treatments have not worked. According to the 2022-23 National Drug Strategy Household Survey, 3% of Australians aged 14 or over had used cannabis for medical purposes in the previous 12 months, equating to around 700,000 people.

The number of prescriptions has also increased ten-fold between 2019 and 2022-23, indicating improved access and greater acceptance of medicinal cannabis in the healthcare system. However, most medicinal cannabis products are not officially approved for medical use by the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA), Australia’s medicines regulator.

Medicinal Cannabis is Heavily Marketed

The growth of the industry has been overshadowed by some questionable medical practices by for-profit cannabis medical clinics. For example, the TGA bans advertising of medicinal cannabis (and any unapproved medicines) to prevent unnecessary public demand and unsafe prescribing.

However, in 2023-24, the TGA collectively fined businesses that broke this rule more than A$1.1 million and took legal action for alleged unlawful advertising. Businesses were allegedly promoting cannabis for serious medical conditions or implying the TGA had approved or endorsed their products.

Here’s What We Found

Our research revealed widespread breaches of TGA guidelines, including the use of cannabis images on websites, logos, and health claims about the benefits of medicinal cannabis. Many clinics also allowed self-assessment, which can mislead people into believing they would benefit from medicinal cannabis.

We found the following common breaches:

• Using cannabis images on websites or logos
• Using terms such as “plant medicine” instead of “medicinal cannabis”
• Making unsubstantiated health claims about the benefits of medicinal cannabis
• Using targeted advertisements on social media
• Offering same-day or after-hours delivery, no GP referrals required, discounted consultation fees, discreet delivery, and other incentives

Unsafe Prescribing

There have been allegations of unsafe prescribing practices, including selling products containing THC to people with mental health conditions, which can worsen their symptoms.

Play by the Rules

Medicinal cannabis clinics have improved patient access, but we need more stringent monitoring and regulation of how these clinics market themselves. Clinics must prioritize patients’ wellbeing over profit and operate ethically to protect public health.

Conclusion

Medicinal cannabis has the potential to provide relief for many patients, but the industry’s growth must be accompanied by stricter regulations to ensure patient safety and public health. It is crucial that clinics prioritize patients’ wellbeing over profit and operate ethically to protect public health.

FAQs

Q: What is medicinal cannabis?
A: Medicinal cannabis is cannabis prescribed by a doctor for a specific medical condition.

Q: How is medicinal cannabis regulated in Australia?
A: The Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) regulates medicinal cannabis in Australia.

Q: How much did the TGA fine businesses that breached advertising regulations?
A: The TGA fined businesses more than A$1.1 million in 2023-24.

Q: What are some common breaches of TGA guidelines?
A: Some common breaches include using cannabis images on websites or logos, making unsubstantiated health claims about the benefits of medicinal cannabis, and allowing self-assessment.

Q: Can patients self-assess their eligibility for medicinal cannabis?
A: No, patients should consult a doctor to assess their eligibility for medicinal cannabis.

Q: What are some potential risks of medicinal cannabis?
A: Some potential risks include worsening of mental health symptoms and substance abuse.

Q: How can patients ensure safe and ethical prescribing of medicinal cannabis?
A: Patients should consult a doctor who has experience with prescribing medicinal cannabis and follow the doctor’s guidance.