Opinion: AU/NZ College of Anaesthetists Position Statement On the Use of Medicinal Cannabis

My opinion on the Australian and New Zealand College of Anaesthetists position statement on the use of medical cannabis for non-cancer chronic pain: Unbalanced, uninformed and hypocritical.

Last week, the Faculty of Pain Management at the Australian and New Zealand’s College of Anaesthetists (ANZCA) published guidance for health practitioners recommending against the prescription of medicinal cannabis for the treatment of chronic non-cancer pain (CNCP). We’ve seen a number of similar reviews over the last few years in both Australia and Canada and they continue to follow the same playbook. I weigh-in on the latest one in this video. I also encourage you to check out the balanced and very well-researched analysis written by Rhys Cohen here: https://www.cannabiz.com.au/medicinal-cannabis-and-chronic-pain-absence-of-evidence-is-not-evidence-of-absence/

Remember: “Absence of evidence is not evidence of absence.”

Medical Cannabis and Cognitive Performance in Middle to Old Adults Treated For Chronic Pain

A new study assessing the relationship between long term medical cannabis use and cognitive function amongst middle-aged and older chronic pain patients has shown no association with declines in cognitive performance. 

Researchers assessed psychomotor reaction, attention, working memory and new learning. Dosage, concentrations, length of time using medical cannabis and frequency of use were also assessed. 

These results are extremely encouraging and should support patients and practitioners alike in their risk-benefit analysis when determining whether medical cannabis is a suitable treatment option.

Read the full research paper here.

Real World MediCannabis Virtual Summit

Healthcare Colleagues,

I’ll be presenting at the Real World MediCannabis Virtual Summit, which begins tomorrow evening, December 3rd. I’ll be sharing practical considerations for the use of cannabinoid medicine in long-term care and touch on how this class of medication can be of particular benefit in addressing some of the unique challenges associated with the pandemic (i.e. increased anxiety, sleeplessness, behaviours associated with dementia, etc.) 

I’ll also share some data about how cannabinoids can be used to reduce opioids, antipsychotics, antidepressants, sleep aids and overall polypharmacy.

To register, visit http://www.realworld.events/.

If you are unable to attend during the set times, once you register, you should be able to access the presentations on-demand at your convenience. 

Patient Testimonial - Kathy | Chronic Pain

“I was experiencing hip pain for almost a year. My quality of life was greatly compromised. No amount of chiropractic was working. Massage therapy would last an hour and then I would be right back where I started. I was taking narcotics which upset my stomach and caused constipation. Anti-inflammatories were of no benefit. The pain during the day would prevent me from taking walks and riding my bike. I would toss and turn all night, never getting a restful sleep. I started cannabinoid therapy and within one month I was feeling substantially better! I am returning to all the activities I love. I am so grateful for this relief. I just regret I didn’t see Dr. Pearson sooner.” -- Kathy 

Chronic pain is one of the most common diagnoses I see in my practice. It can make life unbearable and impact people’s ability to carry out every day activities. It can also impact sleep and lead to depression over time. 

This is a real challenge for physicians, as there aren’t a lot of quality, evidence-based pain management options at our disposal. Cannabinoid-based medicine offers an evidence-based, multimodal treatment option with a lower risk of harm than most other pain management options.