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Australia to spend $2 million on cannabis research for cancer patients

Australia will provide A$3 million for research on the use of cannabis to help cancer patients. Such products are allowed only to patients on the prescription of a doctor. The demand for cannabis in medicine and therapy is growing rapidly. Australia plans to spend $2.03 million in research on the use of cannabis. They want to check how this healing herb may help cancer patients.

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The demand for cannabis in medicine is growing rapidly. Australia plans to spend $2.03 million in research on the use of cannabis. They want to check how this healing herb may help cancer patients.

Australia will fund research on medicinal cannabis

Patients in most parts of Australia may use such products by prescription. The main point is that they should have a license only if people grow and produce medicinal cannabis. Australian Health Minister Greg Hunt said that 11,000 patients have no access to medicinal cannabis with most prescriptions issued this year.

There has been only a limited number of well-planned clinical trials of medicinal cannabis. We need to increase the evidence base to support the actions of health professionals.

Medical cannabis
Australia spending a lot of money on medical cannabis. (Source)

Who has a license for growing and collecting medicinal cannabis

The most obvious reason is the criminal implications. To tell the truth, cultivating illegal cannabis is still a serious offense in all states and territories of Australia. Data from the Ministry of Health shows that 78 companies currently have licenses to grow and collect medicinal cannabis.

Olivia Newton-John, an Australian singer and actress of English origin, became a strong advocate for the use of medical cannabis after she found out she had cancer. “I am a supporter of this for general health, for better sleep, for pain and anxiety.”

Newton-John’s efforts shine a light on the benefits of using medicinal cannabis. The government will work to ensure that Australian patients have access to it.

Government position on medicinal cannabis use

The government is unlikely to change its position with regard to the use of cannabis for recreational purposes. At the end of September, the Australian Capital Territory became the first of the six states in the country to legalize cannabis for personal use. The Australian capital has legalized marijuana for personal use. This is contrary to national drug laws, which prohibit possession of marijuana.

Attorney-General Christian Porter is awaiting a copy of the final version of the ACT bill before deciding whether the federal government should override the territory legislation, the Weekend Australian newspaper said on Saturday.

Cancer patients
Medical cannabis is a huge help for cancer patients. (Source)

How to access medicinal cannabis in Australia

In October 2016, the Narcotic Drugs Amendment Act 2016 came into effect in Australia, allowing doctors to legally prescribe medicinal cannabis to patients with specific medical conditions through the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA)’s Special Access Scheme. Dr. Agarwal said since legalization occurred, there has been an increased “softening of the regulations to prove eligibility for medical use”. “It’s federally open – it’s the same essentially everywhere he said.

“Some people say there’s a patient access problem but it’s not really a government problem anymore; it’s more a function of cost or efficiencies of the system,” Dr. Agarwal added. The medical conditions that cannabis can be prescribed for are quite extensive – but you can’t use it to treat the common cold.

Clinical trials and medical research has shown medicinal cannabis can assist in the treatment of symptoms for conditions including but not limited to: chronic pain syndrome; neurological conditions such as epilepsy; multiple sclerosis and motor neuron diseases; inflammatory bowel diseases, Crohn’s disease, and ulcerative colitis; chronic cancer pain and malaise; chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting; arthritis; and dementia.

(Featured image by Creators Collective)

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Eva Wesley is an experienced journalist, market trader, and financial executive. Driven by excellence and a passion to connect with people, she takes pride in writing think pieces that help people decide what to do with their investments. A blockchain enthusiast, she also engages in cryptocurrency trading. Her latest travels have also opened her eyes to other exciting markets, such as aerospace, cannabis, healthcare, and telcos.