Cannabis – and particularly medicinal cannabis – use is growing… And so too are concerns around the drug. This includes new concerns around over-prescribing from doctors. Plus, there’s a push to decriminalise the non-medicinal – and legal – form of the drug.
Doctors on Notice: Risks of Over-Prescribing Medicinal Cannabis
According to The Australian, Australia’s medical watchdog AHPRA has issued strong new guidelines for prescribing medicinal cannabis. These measures aim to curb patient harm. They follow troubling reports about unchecked prescribing practices.
Regulators flagged alarming behaviours. Some clinics ran “single-issue” models, offering cannabis without thorough checks. Some doctors issued eye-watering numbers—more than 10,000 or even 17,000 scripts in six months—sometimes after consultations that lasted mere seconds.
These practices have real consequences. Emergency departments report patients suffering cannabis-induced psychosis. Many had no previous history of mental illness. Some developed their first psychotic episode after getting a prescription.
In response, AHPRA insisted that medicinal cannabis must be treated with the same care as opioids. They must ensure patient assessments, clear therapeutic plans, record keeping, alternative treatments, and exit strategies are in place.
AHPRA has already acted against 57 practitioners and is investigating dozens more. These steps show regulators are serious. They aim to safeguard patients and uphold trust in medical practice.
Decriminalising Cannabis: NSW Report Signals Change
Meanwhile, Australia is debating laws about the illegal use of the drug.
In New South Wales (NSW), a parliamentary inquiry just released its final report. It found that current cannabis penalties are unfair and outdated. People with money can access medicinal cannabis legally, while others face criminal sentences — up to two years in prison for small amounts.
The committee recommended scrapping jail for minor possession. Instead, it suggests fines and a staged, regulated approach to legalisation for adults. The report passed with strong cross-party support.
The committee called for reforms in two phases:
- First, eliminate custodial sentences for small amounts and use fines instead.
- Then, review impact and transition toward adult use in a safe, regulated market to reduce the illicit trade.
Although Premier Minns had previously supported suitable legalisation, he now says it is not on the current agenda. However, the government is reviewing the report.
Key Learnings for Workplaces
While it’s easy to dismiss concerns over medicinal cannabis and illegal cannabis as social issues, it’s always pertinent to remember that what happens in the community is likely to make its way into the workforce.
Here are six key learning from the above pieces of information for workplaces:
- Screen and support employees fairly: Be aware that some medicinal cannabis users fear stigma or job loss. Create fair, informed policies. And encourage people to report if they are going to be using medicinal cannabis as it could lead to safety issues and potentially a non-negative drug test.
- Stay informed on legal trends: NSW may soon move toward decriminalisation. But will this impact workplace – and roadside – drug testing? Highly unlikely, as it will still be unsafe and likely a breach of policy to turn up to work under the influence whether use is legal or illegal. Nevertheless, understanding local shifts can protect your workplace from compliance risk.
- Encourage responsible access: For staff using medicinal cannabis, encourage proper medical support and documentation. Educate on risks like psychosis.
- Plan for change: If laws reform, review corporate drug-use policies. Remove outdated punitive measures and focus on health-centered responses.
Plus, here’s a key learning for individuals. You should always prioritise safety over convenience. Always favour credible medical advice over casual or telehealth-only clinics offering quick scripts.
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Medicinal cannabis and its illegal cousin are making the news. Learn about over-prescribing risks and NSW decriminalisation trends. Key workplace takeaways included.
