A nurse from Australia who worked in the forefront of traditional as well cannabinoid based medicine says that recently updated Ahpra Guidelines don’t go enough.
Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency, National Boards and the Australian Medical Association (AMA) have released this month updated guidance for practitioners to meet their obligations. The update was made following incidents of bad practice associated with prescribing cannabis medically. This update was subsequently backed up by the Australian Medical Association.
Deb Ranson, a clinical nurse consultant and co-founder the Australian Cannabis Nurses Association is an advocate and educator. Deb Ranson, a Clinical Nurse Consultant, is a co-founder of the Australian Cannabis Nurses Association and an educator and advocate.
We monitor efficacy and comfort of patients, while maintaining their dignity. Cannabis stigma must not stop us from acting safely and ethically.
Many hospital staff are unsure of how to deal with a situation where a patient has prescribed medical marijuana in his or her possession. Some nurses are not prejudiced, they just do not know how to handle it.
Ranson explains that this issue is not just about policy, but also affects patient care. Some patients may hide their opioid use, or miss doses.
We will place nurses and patients in ethically compromised positions until cannabinoid educational programs are included as part of the core nursing curriculum and policy at hospitals catches up to legislation.” says Ms. Ranson.
Australian Cannabis Nurses Association launched publicly in 2023 with the vision of offering medicinal cannabis education and support for nurses.
In a similar vein, the International Council of Nurses has recently issued a revised definition of what a nurse is, emphasizing their roles as policy makers and ethical decision-makers.
Ranson said, “This is a new age and we can no longer hide behind old oaths. We also cannot accept passively what others say.” “It is time to take the lead, even when it’s about new options for health like medicinal marijuana.”