Transitioning Patients to Medicinal Cannabis: A Professional Perspective

As medicinal cannabis gains traction in Australia, healthcare providers face the challenge of transitioning patients from recreational to medicinal cannabis use safely. While the medical benefits of cannabis are becoming increasingly recognised, doctors also need to ensure that patients who have previously used cannabis recreationally, or to self-medicate, can transition safely and effectively to a medicinal cannabis schedule.

Transitioning patients from recreational to medicinal cannabis presents unique challenges. The boundaries between recreational and medicinal use often blur, with many patients transitioning from recreational to therapeutic use. A notable 2022 Australian study1 revealed that nearly all medicinal cannabis patients had prior experience with recreational use. Moreover, a Canadian study suggested that some medicinal cannabis patients continued recreational use alongside prescribed medication.2

This "dual use" scenario complicates the assessment of medicinal cannabis's specific impact and raises concerns about heightened risks associated with overall cannabis consumption among medical cannabis patients. Additionally, frequent cannabis use among medicinal cannabis patients, often on a daily basis, has been associated with higher rates of problematic use and psychiatric symptoms.

Transitioning patients from recreational to medicinal cannabis carries several risks, including:

• Habituation to ritualistic use
• Unrealistic therapeutic expectations
• Challenges in dosage control
• A potential for dependence

These risks underscore the importance of informed decision-making and patient education before initiating medicinal cannabis therapy, especially for individuals with a history of recreational cannabis use.

Understanding the underlying motives for cannabis use, monitoring for problematic patterns, and addressing dual-use are crucial steps for healthcare providers navigating this transition. Open communication, patient education, and a comprehensive approach can help ensure the safe and effective integration of medicinal cannabis into patient treatment plans.

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