The industry for medical marijuanas in QLD is growing faster than anyone seemed to have anticipated. When sweeping changes took place in 2016, which allowed the prescribing and cultivation of medicinal cannabis, each state approached the changes with a slightly different tact.
Thus far, there has been a burgeoning growth in prescribing and the research conducted into medical marijuanas in QLD and the rest of the nation. There are a number of institutes around the country that are now dedicated to cannabis research for a variety of ailments, and changes made to the access pathways available for prescribers have allowed for a more fluid attitude to manifest.
This fluid attitude has led to a furthered destigmatisation of the substance, along with a number of telehealth services that are staffed by physicians that are able to prescribe medical marijuanas in QLD to patients when appropriate.
There are a few select reasons why so much buzz is centred around medical marijuanas in QLD. Today’s article will attempt to unpack and explore some of these reasons.
High Prescription Rate
One of the key reasons for Queensland’s association with medicinal cannabis is the prescription rate in comparison to the rest of the country. It would appear that medical marijuanas in QLD have been more welcomed by the healthcare community, where it was reported that 51% of prescriptions from 2016-2021 were from the Sunshine State.
This higher prescription rate shows the forward-thinking mentality present in Queensland, particularly in relation to medicinal cannabis. There is no solid correlation for ‘why’ the numbers are spiked so heavily for the use of medical marijuanas in QLD – but it is an interesting statistic to consider.
Focus on Driving
Another reason for Queensland’s association with medicinal cannabis is in the legislation being considered and its apparent reflection of acceptance towards medical marijuanas in QLD. When the landmark decision occurred in 2016, the driving laws that are associated with substances (drugs, alcohol, etc.) were not updated across the board to reflect the potential legal use of the substance for patients.
As a result, there was no end of controversy surrounding the use of medicinal cannabis and driving – especially with factors like intoxication metrics and defining the true impact cannabis could have on the ability to drive. As medical marijuanas in QLD can contain cannabidiol agents CBD, THC, or both – an important distinction should be made as to driving ability with each of the main components.
A study conducted by the University of Sydney has claimed that CBD alone seemingly does not inhibit the ability to drive. While this is the result of one study, it is still an interesting find from a research body that focused primarily on cannabis and driving.
We’re mentioning Queensland because of a review that is being conducted in the state surrounding the definitions of ‘drug driving’ and how they relate to the changing landscape of legalised medicinal cannabis. Set to run until the end of the year, this review shows that the state is at least open to research and for considering changes that could benefit those who are prescribed medical marijuanas in QLD.
Conclusion
In the end, patients who are currently taking medical marijuanas in QLD seem to be among the most vocal, open, and supportive patients in the country. While there is a long road ahead for more federal acceptance and for further support of the overarching healthcare and political communities – the building blocks and fundamental systems currently in place surrounding medical marijuanas in QLD signify that positive change is coming sooner than we may think.
