Cannabis studies lacking

ALTHOUGH cannabis contains more than ϲ0 pharmacologically active cannabinoids, the usual pharmacokinetic pharmacodynamic bioavailability and toxicology studies are lacking, the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) says.

Presented to stakeholders in Adelaide and Brisbane and now posted for all to see on the TGA website, there is reference also to variable qualities of Good Manufacturing Process (GMP) and a lack of standards for extracts and dosage, the TGA said.

The Australian Advisory Council on the Medicinal Use of Cannabis and clinical review of evidence was established last year and chaired by Professor Jim Angus, noted University of Melbourne academic, medical educator and scientific researcher.

The Council has undertaken analyses of critical reviews of evidence and reviewed existing clinical guidelines, will continue to examine sytematic reviews and will draft a consultation paper on clinical guidance later this year. The two main areas that have emerged as potentially benefiting from medicinal cannabis are initially in epilepsy for seizure control and palliative care and cancer for pain management.

thile results are mixed, significant improvements in pain and seizure control are summarised in the document, but effects on nausea and vomitting are less convincing.

See the full slide set at tga.gov.au.