AMA warns about adult cannabis use and expresses concern over public health impacts
"Increased cannabis consumption may overload the Australian healthcare system," says in an official statement
Published on 12/01/2023
By Leandro Maia
The President of the Australian Medical Association (AMA), Steve Robson, expressed serious concerns regarding the potential public health impacts arising from the possible legalization of cannabis for adult use. In an official statement, Robson highlighted that the use of the substance may lead to a range of negative effects both in the short and long term, warning of the possibility of overloading the Australian healthcare system with an increase in consumption.
The AMA emphasizes that the legalization of cannabis for adult use could send a misleading message to the public, especially to young Australians, warning that its use is not harmful. Referring to a recent systematic review, Robson reported an increase in cases of acute cannabis intoxication in countries such as the United States, Canada, and Thailand, following legalization.
Despite opposition to legalization, the AMA's statement suggests a possible improvement in the current regulatory approach. Robson highlights the importance of viewing cannabis use as a health issue, proposing the replacement of criminal practices for personal use with harm reduction measures. These measures include court orders requiring counseling and education, or participation in drug specialty courts, diverting users from the criminal justice system to treatment.
Another concern expressed in the statement is the practice of self-medication with cannabis products through smoking. The AMA encourages patients to discuss treatment alternatives with their doctors, emphasizing that Australia already has a specific evaluation process for therapeutic products through the TGA (Therapeutic Goods Administration). Robson highlights the existence of evidence-based treatments available through healthcare professionals that patients should explore before resorting to self-medication with cannabis products.
To legalize or not to legalize a drug?
According to Jimmy Fardin, a doctor and columnist for the Sechat Portal, discussing the legalization of a drug is a controversial topic. When it comes to cannabis, the subject is already loaded with objections and prejudices due to the stigma attributed to the plant over the years. He states that the indiscriminate use of any substance, whether still prohibited or not, can indeed cause harm; have you ever tried to drink 4 cups of coffee at once? However, attributing the harm solely to the substance is somewhat superficial.
“The greater concern should be with the user and not just with the drug. Who is seeking to use it? Why? In what environment are they situated? These are much deeper questions that are not addressed or questioned if they are being cared for by the state. Alcohol, for example, is legal with 'restrictions' and unfortunately causes many more deaths directly and indirectly to the population. Its effects are deleterious and harmful at much lower doses than cannabis. Intoxication occurs with just 10x the usual dose, while cannabis requires more than 1000 doses to intoxicate an individual. Yet alcohol is not prohibited. Access is quite simple, so to speak. And when there is a prohibition, the user seeks the illicit substance in unsafe places, acquires a questionable substance (fungi, heavy metals), risking their health and integrity while also contributing to trafficking,” he warned.
