The Working Party on the Medical Uses of Cannabis was asked to advise the Premier on the possible medical uses of cannabis and cannabinoid drugs. At the Premier's request, we examined ways in which cannabis or cannabinoids could be legally used for medical purposes without decriminalising recreational cannabis use. We noted the suggestive evidence that THC may be useful in treating muscle spasm in some neurological disorders and in relieving pain that has not responded to conventional treatment. We recommended further research on the therapeutic use of cannabis and cannabinoid drugs in managing these conditions.
Registration is required if cannabis is to be medically prescribed.
This means that any prescribed cannabis derivatives will need to be natural or synthetic drugs derived from THC or other cannabinoids. No cannabinoid drugs are registered in Australia. These drugs could be registered for medical use in Australia but only if a pharmaceutical company applies to have them registered. None has so far applied. In the longer term, the best prospect for medical use of cannabis lies in the development and registration of new synthetic drugs or better ways of administering THC that do not involve smoking a crude plant product.