Cannabis Roll-out Delay

By JAI MCALLISTER

Despite a ground swell of support in recent years towards the mainstream use of Cannabis for medicinal purposes a publication featured in the Medical Journal of Australia by a Newcastle professor claims there are a number of important features which need to be examined before a roll-out could occur. 

The publication was written by Professor Jenifer Martin, Chair of Clinical pharmacology at the University of Newcastle in conjunction with Associate Professor Yvonne Bonomo, from St Vincint's Health in Melbourne.

It claims there needs to be more data collected on indications, efficacy, safety and dosage.  

Other concerns ranged from; drug stability in different storage conditions, the length the product is prescribed and the possibility of supplying a potentially misusable substance. 

"Clearly, medical practitioners, pharmacists and other health professionals will need training so that inappropriate prescribing and drug diversion are minimised." They said.  

Both Martin and Bonomo concluded by saying; 

"If trial data for cannabis finds evidence that supports its use, and if this use can be regulated in a way that enables suitable provision to those who may benefit, then it appropriately becomes another agent in the armamentarium of pharmacotherapy."