A recent parliamentary committee in Western Australia has released a report that could significantly impact the future of the cannabis and hemp industries in the region.
The committee’s findings and recommendations focus on improving patient access to medicinal cannabis, addressing regulatory barriers, and fostering the growth of the industrial hemp sector. This article will provide an overview of the 16 recommendations made by the committee and discuss their potential implications for patients, the cannabis industry, and society at large.
16 Recommendations for Cannabis and Hemp Reforms
- The first recommendation involves amending the Medicines and Poisons Regulations 2016 to remove the requirement for healthcare professionals to be authorized to prescribe or supply cannabis-based Schedule 8 products for adult non-dependant patients. This would streamline the process for doctors and improve patient access to medicinal cannabis.
- The second recommendation calls for allowing prescriptions for Schedule 8 medicinal cannabis products written by interstate prescribers to be dispensed in Western Australia, provided the prescription meets the legal requirements of the state and the prescriber is eligible to initiate treatment in the region.
- The committee found that the current daily prescribing limit of 40mg tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) does not align with clinical dosing guidelines. As a result, the third recommendation suggests increasing the daily THC prescribing limit to at least 100mg.
- The fourth recommendation proposes a review of the necessity of a daily THC prescribing limit within 24 months, followed by either removing or increasing the limit as appropriate.
- To address the reluctance of some general practitioners to prescribe medicinal cannabis, the fifth recommendation advises the establishment of a medicinal cannabis advisory service, similar to the New South Wales Cannabis Medicines Advisory Service.
- The sixth recommendation suggests developing printed and online resources aimed at informing patients’ families, friends, and employers about the legality and therapeutic benefits of medicinal cannabis to reduce stigma.
- The committee acknowledges that the high cost of medicinal cannabis products is a barrier to access. Recommendation seven proposes conducting a cost-benefit analysis of implementing a compassionate access scheme for medicinal cannabis products and implementing such a scheme if the results are favorable.
- The eighth recommendation calls for amending the Road Traffic Act 1974 and Road Traffic (Drug Driving) Regulations 2007 to introduce a defense for patients using medicinal cannabis as prescribed who are not driving while impaired or under the influence of alcohol.
- The committee recommends that the Department of Mines, Industry Regulation, and Safety review its publication ‘Alcohol and Other Drugs in the Workplace Guidance Note’ to develop more comprehensive and contemporary guidance.
- Employers should receive printed and online resources aimed at explaining the differences between medicinal cannabis and recreational marijuana, providing information about how THC affects impairment, and recommending that medicinal cannabis be treated like other potentially impairing prescription drugs.
- The Rail Safety National Law Act 2015 should be amended to differentiate between the legal and illicit use of cannabis.
- The Western Australian Government should consider implementing an ongoing anonymous survey of general practitioners to capture data for future clinical studies on medicinal cannabis.
- The government should encourage and support research into medicinal cannabis in higher education, health, and industry sectors to drive advances, improve the evidence base, and facilitate patient access.
- The Department of Primary Industry and Regional Development should conduct a review of the Industrial Hemp Act 2004 to ensure the legislation is fit for purpose and does not impose unjustified restrictions on the industry.
- The same department should advocate for the Commonwealth Government to amend the Narcotic Drugs Act 1967 and any other relevant legislation to remove obstacles to the cultivation and commercial sale of industrial hemp under the Industrial Hemp Act 2004.
- The department and the Western Australian Government should continue to encourage and provide financial support for research of the industrial hemp industry.
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Significance for the Cannabis Industry, Patients, and Society
These 16 recommendations by the parliamentary committee, if implemented, could have far-reaching implications for the cannabis and hemp industries, patients, and society in Western Australia.
For the cannabis industry, these reforms would streamline the prescription process, allowing for easier access to medicinal cannabis for patients. The recommendations also suggest supporting research into medicinal cannabis, which could lead to advancements in the industry and increased knowledge about its potential benefits.
Patients would benefit from improved access to medicinal cannabis due to the removal of regulatory barriers, the potential for compassionate access schemes, and a decrease in stigma surrounding its use. The recommendations also aim to ensure that patients using medicinal cannabis are not unfairly penalized under driving and workplace regulations.
For society as a whole, these recommendations could contribute to a better understanding of the benefits and limitations of medicinal cannabis. This understanding could lead to more informed public opinion and policy decisions. Additionally, the growth of the industrial hemp industry could create new opportunities for sustainable food production, job creation, and economic development.
Conclusion
The recent parliamentary committee’s report in Western Australia offers a roadmap for reforming cannabis and hemp regulations to improve patient access, support industry growth, and ensure a more informed and balanced approach to the issue. While this is only the first step in the process, the adoption of these recommendations could lead to a brighter future for both the cannabis and hemp industries and the patients who rely on them.
References:
- Western Australia Parliamentary Committee Report on Cannabis and Hemp: https://www.parliament.wa.gov.au/Parliament/commit.nsf/(Report+Lookup+by+Com+ID)/C5D7ACF7160D567848258982000DE9A6/$file/ch.can.230314.rpf.001.xx+web+version.pdf
- ABC News article on the cannabis and hemp report: https://www.abc.net.au/news/2023-03-30/wa-parliamentary-committee-tables-medicinal-cannabis-report/102164826