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Ethical Prescribing of Medical Cannabis: A Doctor’s Perspective
Understanding Medical Cannabis Medical cannabis, also known as medicinal marijuana, is derived from the Cannabis sativa plant. Its primary active compounds, THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) and CBD (cannabidiol), interact with the body’s endocannabinoid system to regulate pain, inflammation, mood, and neurological function. While THC is psychoactive, CBD is non-psychoactive and widely studied for its therapeutic potential. Doctors increasingly explore medical cannabis as a tool in healthcare for chronic pain, neurological disorders, mental health conditions, and supportive care in oncology. Legal Status and Regulations: Focus on Australia and Beyond In Australia, medical cannabis was legally recognised in 2016. The Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) regulates its use, requiring prescriptions from authorised healthcare providers. Patients…