‘Prioritising profit’: Australians regularly prescribed medicinal cannabis with very high THC levels
Summary
Researchers found that in Australia, doctors often prescribe medicinal cannabis with very high levels of THC, the main active ingredient that causes a "high." Most of these high-THC products have not been properly tested for safety or effectiveness, and there is concern about health risks and lack of clear information for patients.Key Facts
- Medicinal cannabis products in Australia can have THC levels ranging from 13% to 88%, with no legal upper limit.
- Most clinical trials have only tested products with up to 22% THC.
- Only two out of more than 1,000 medicinal cannabis products have been fully evaluated for safety and effectiveness by the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA).
- High-THC products make up about half of all medicinal cannabis prescriptions, mainly for chronic pain and anxiety.
- Evidence shows medicinal cannabis may not be more effective than placebo for anxiety and has only low-quality evidence for small pain relief.
- Many prescribed products are smoked or vaporized dried flower, although most evidence supports oral oils.
- There have been reports of serious side effects, like psychosis and nausea cycles, linked to high-THC cannabis.
- Experts suggest the TGA set limits on THC levels in medicinal cannabis and improve labeling and monitoring to protect patients.
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