Thursday, 21 March 2024

Medicinal cannabis

Rachel PAYNE (South-Eastern Metropolitan) (09:49): As it is Endometriosis Awareness Month, I would like to highlight some of the incredible work being done in the research space, both locally and abroad, on cannabis as a treatment for endometriosis. As Dr Genester Wilson-King points out, endometriosis significantly affects patients’ physiological, mental and psychological health and patients’ social and economic participation. We have only really just begun to discover the scope of this disease.

I mentioned earlier this week a study that Deakin University is conducting on the effectiveness of cannabis for treating endometriosis symptoms, and the preliminary findings are promising. I also spoke to Professor Mike Armour this week, who reported:

In addition to pain, those with endometriosis commonly report using cannabis for sleep, mental health (anxiety and depression), as well as gastrointestinal issues. Cannabis consumption for endometriosis-related symptoms has been self-reported as having the most effectiveness on improving sleep …

I will conclude by reflecting on the comments of endometriosis researcher Dr Deborah Malka, who was quoted by Dr Wilson-King as saying:

The capacity of cannabis to act as an anti-inflammatory agent, a pain reliever, a muscle relaxant, a mood enhancer, a sleep remedy all at the same time makes it potentially ideal for those facing these particular conditions.