The Australian Medical Association (AMA) has requested the suspension of high-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) cannabis products from the Special Access Scheme. This demand arises from concerns that doctors are prescribing cannabis with THC levels reaching 98% without sufficient justification.
The AMA’s stance follows a consultation by the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) on the sharing of data related to the Special Access Scheme. In its submission, the AMA highlighted the need to reevaluate the classifications of medicinal cannabis products and called for the complete removal of category 5, which encompasses products containing more than 98% THC.
According to the AMA, the high THC content in these cannabis products poses risks, and there is a lack of evidence supporting their medical necessity in most cases. The organization argues that the current prescribing practices violate TGA guidelines, which are designed to ensure that medicinal cannabis is used appropriately and effectively.
The AMA asserts that many clinics are misusing the Special Access Scheme, allowing for prescriptions that may not align with established medical guidelines. They emphasize the importance of reevaluating these high-THC products to protect patient safety and ensure that cannabis is prescribed based on sound medical reasoning.
As this issue unfolds, the AMA is advocating for a systematic review of cannabis medications to ensure that only those products with proven efficacy and safety are available for patient use. The outcome of this demand could lead to significant changes in the landscape of medicinal cannabis regulation in Australia.
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