Despite more than 600 reports of "adverse events" for medicinal cannabis in the past three years, the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) is yet to investigate the safety of most medicinal cannabis products. It has now launched a review.

The whole article is worth reading but this caught my eye.

The Australian Medicinal Cannabis Association (AMCA) said that without suspected adverse events being published and investigated it was hard to draw conclusions about the safety of medicinal cannabis products.

If the only organisation representing cannabis prescribers is unwilling to comment on safety what does that say about the state of the industry?

  • Joshi@slrpnk.netOPEnglish
    0·
    1 month ago

    I disagree, this wording from a professional organisation is concerning. The usual standard of evidence for medication is that the companies or organisations promoting provide proof of safety.

    For example ANZCA (specifically the Faculty of Pain Medicine) state

    There’s a lack of definitive evidence showing long-term opioid effectiveness for CNCP, and conversely, substantial evidence of potential harm. As a result, opioids should only be considered in exceptional circumstances—for example, when other treatments have failed and the pain is demonstrably responsive to opioids.

    With regards to psychotropic med the RANZCP say

    Medications should be part of a comprehensive care plan that emphasizes low doses, minimal number of agents, and the shortest effective duration. Explanation of risks, benefits, and off-label use must be delivered to both young patients and their guardians. Prudence and caution are essential, though when properly prescribed, these medications can significantly improve quality of life for youth with serious psychiatric conditions.

    AMCA regarding the safety of cannabis say

    ¯_(ツ)_/¯