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Cannabis is a psychoactive drug derived from the Cannabis sativa plant. Users can smoke the dried flowers and leaves as marijuana or make them into an oil or resin.
It slows down the central nervous system, making users feel relaxed and euphoric. Smoking too much or too often can have negative side effects such as confusion, anxiety or even psychosis.
While there are over 100 active compounds in cannabis, the most interesting to medical researchers are THC – delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol and CBD – cannabidiol.
MAKING THE MEDICAL GRADE
The production of medicinal cannabis is strictly regulated.
Medicines, whether sourced from plants or made in a lab, must contain known amounts of THC and CBD.
Doctors must apply for approval from the Therapeutic Goods Administration before they can prescribe cannabis to a patient, and the medicine must only be dispensed from pharmacies.
Cannabis is currently used for a variety of chronic conditions. After legalising medicinal cannabis in 2016, a review commissioned in 2017 focused on uses in palliative care, chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting, chronic pain, multiple sclerosis and epilepsy.
HITTING SOME POT HOLES
Since then, only two cannabis-derived medications have been declared safe and effective by the Australian Register of Therapeutic Goods.
One of these drugs treats muscle spasms in patients with multiple sclerosis. The other is prescribed to reduce seizures in people with epilepsy.
Studies into the effectiveness of other cannabis-derived drugs are yet to show positive results.
Despite this, the number of medical cannabis prescriptions in Australia quadrupled between 2022 and 2025.
Over 1 million prescriptions have been approved, and a large proportion are to treat mental health conditions, including anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder and depression.
GETTING HIGH OFF EASY SUPPLY
This increase is partly due to a proliferation of telehealth services.
Unlike a GP clinic, these services exclusively prescribe cannabis, marketed as ‘alternative therapies’, to improve pain, sleep, mental health and women’s health.
However, experts are concerned this drastic increase in prescriptions isn’t backed by quality research.
A 2026 study found no evidence to support the use of medicinal cannabis to treat any mental health condition.
Regulatory bodies are also concerned. The Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency is reviewing doctors and online dispensaries issuing thousands of scripts per month.
Prioritising high-volume access over high-quality medical care might mean pharmaceutical companies are benefiting, instead of patients.
However, if other treatment options haven’t worked for someone, medicinal cannabis could help.
Doctors advise starting on a low dosage, being cautious and staying in touch with your healthcare practitioner.
