The Australian Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) is holding a public consultation about medicinal cannabis. Submissions must be received by Tuesday, 7th October at 5pm.
In early August, the TGA announced it would be launching a public consultation; triggered by growing concerns surrounding the 1,000+ unapproved medicinal cannabis products available in Australia — particularly those with high levels of the intoxicating cannabinoid tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). Consultation began shortly after.
The launch of the campaign was then followed by another group called The Patients The group is composed of healthcare professionals, researchers, patients, and industry representatives who are urging direct communication with policymakers.
The organisation says that “the TGA consultation, as well as AHPRA Rapid Response Taskforce, have created pressures on both patients and doctors, leading to long waiting times, delays in treatment, and uncertainties regarding care.” The patients should be involved in the decisions made about their medicines.
The TGA regulates the legal access to medical cannabis, while the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency oversees prescribing and dispensing.
The Patients, in its latest update of September 24, announced the launch of its One-Click Letter Campaign. The campaign aims to send 10,000 letter to Prime Minister, Minister for Health and Shadow Minister for Health with copies to other key medical organisations.
The letter you sent to our leaders is a warning that the patients won’t be quieted. It is important that we do not go through another prohibition cycle.
Note that the TGA said they have no plans to restrict access to cannabis-based products for medicinal purposes.
Administration: “We aim to make sure that the products we supply are high-quality, safe, effective and perform well. We also generate evidence to prove their legitimate use in therapeutic goods.”
The most common requests are: The Patients’ letter:
- Before TGA issues recommendations, ensure that patient benefits and experiences are considered.
- Before making new recommendations, request that the TGA ensure existing regulations are enforced properly.
- Provide safe and responsible care by supporting prescribers with a thorough understanding of plant medicine.
- Advocating transparency including the declaration of conflicts of interests among advisors.
- Protecting the patient–prescriber relationship and continuity of care.
In the letter, it is also suggested that consultation be extended to properly consider patient benefit.