Recent reports indicate a significant increase in patients hospitalised with psychosis after being prescribed medicinal cannabis. This article delves into the growing concerns among doctors in Australia about the adverse effects of medicinal cannabis, particularly in relation to psychosis and other health issues.

Rising Incidence of Psychosis

Doctors are warning of a substantial rise in the number of patients experiencing psychotic episodes after being prescribed medicinal cannabis. Brett Emmerson, Queensland chair of the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists, emphasises the need for stronger regulations on medicinal cannabis products and prescribing practices.

• Psychotic Episodes: Many patients are having their first psychotic episode after being prescribed medicinal cannabis.
• Relapse in Patients with Existing Conditions: Individuals with pre-existing psychotic conditions are relapsing when given medicinal cannabis.

Concerns About “Single-Issue” Cannabis Clinics

A proliferation of “single-issue” cannabis clinics in Australia is contributing to the problem. These clinics often prescribe medicinal cannabis via telehealth consultations with minimal checks.

• Telehealth Prescriptions: Many prescriptions are issued over the internet, making it difficult for treating doctors to stay informed.
• Lack of Coordination: Prescribers at these clinics often do not contact the patient’s regular doctor, leading to unmonitored use of cannabis.

Impact on Public Health Services

Queensland’s Metro North Health, Australia’s largest public health service, is witnessing increased cases of psychosis attributed to medicinal cannabis.

• Early Psychosis Service: The Metro North early psychosis service reports that 10% of new presentations (patients aged 16 to 21) have become psychotic after using medicinal cannabis.
• Additional Admissions: Other mental health services are seeing several weekly admissions linked to inappropriate medicinal cannabis use.

Cannabis Hyperemesis Syndrome

Apart from psychosis, another condition linked to medicinal cannabis use is cannabis hyperemesis syndrome, characterised by severe vomiting when the drug’s potency is too high.

• Emergency Department Strain: Patients with this syndrome frequently occupy emergency department beds for extended periods, adding strain to the hospital system.

Issues with Online Prescriptions

Jennifer Martin, a general physician and clinical pharmacologist based in Newcastle, highlights the complications arising from online cannabis prescriptions.

• Difficulty Accessing Prescribers: Patients and healthcare providers often find it challenging to contact the doctors who signed the prescriptions.
• Web Interactions: Many medicinal cannabis prescriptions are issued through web interactions or telehealth, complicating follow-up care.

Legalisation and Usage

Medicinal cannabis was legalised in Australia in 2016. Despite its legal status, the unregulated nature of some products and their widespread use for various conditions without solid evidence pose significant risks.

• Psychoactive Components: Some medicinal cannabis products contain high levels of psychoactive substances, contributing to the adverse effects observed.
• Range of Conditions: Medicinal cannabis is being used for numerous conditions, often without evidence supporting its efficacy.

The increasing incidence of psychosis and other health problems associated with medicinal cannabis underscores the urgent need for better regulation and monitoring of its prescription and use. Healthcare providers and policymakers must address these issues to ensure patient safety and protect public health.

Source: ABC News