Costly treatment

Russell Brown’s story in the Weekend Herald helps us understand why Rose Renton and others have been providing cannabis remedies to people with longterm or terminal illnesses.

From December 8, two cannabidiol oral preparations finally became available for doctors to prescribe. They may be less expensive than Sativex spray, however at about $350 a month, patients tell me they cannot afford them.

Many patients would prefer cheaper cannabidiol preparations, perhaps of food-grade rather than pharmaceutical grade. Such items can be purchased without prescription in many countries because cannabidiol is so safe.

Government regulations that support a New Zealand medicinal cannabis industry may reduce cost and allow exports. In addition to the cost, Sativex prescriptions usually require the completion of a sixpage application by two doctors. Doctors prescribe many drugs with more serious adverse effects risks, such as opioids, benzodiazepines, antipsychotics. It would be of service to patients and doctors to change regulations to allow simpler prescribing of medicinal cannabis.

I am pleased the Government is considering these issues. Unfortunately, until regulations change many will continue to provide their own cannabis remedies, with risk of prosecution.

Dr Graham Gulbransen, GP and Addiction Specialist, Kingsland.