COMMANDO Edition 1 2020

Useful Links
Cannabis Doctors Australia:
https://cannabisdoctorsaustralia.com.au
Cannabis Access Clinic:
https://www.cannabisaccessclinics.com.au
TGA Guidance:
https://www.tga.gov.au/medicinal-cannabis-guidancedocuments
NSW Government:
https://www.medicinalcannabis.nsw.gov.au/patients/yourdoctor
Australian Medicinal Cannabis information mailing list:
https://us13.campaign-archive.com/home/?u=
60607403903988441951e3515&id=0a984ed7c3
Omega-3 and Endocannabinoid System:
https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2017/07/17071814
2909.htm
Informative Videos, Dr John Teh Cannabis Clinician
Brisbane:
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLvorNYQQ2iL68C
QSE6uk7SnVbCdbZcuqb
DVA Funded Report on Hallucinogens as treatments for
PTSD, anxiety, and depression:
https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&source=web&rct=j&url
=https://www.dva.gov.au/sites/default/files/hallucin_rea_te
ch.pdf&ved=2ahUKEwj31_Xy5KbjAhWLXSsKHSLND9AQFj
ADegQIAxAB&usg=AOvVaw1prMYCa1dmYdhoEgE7WDc
Introduction to the Endocannabinoid System by Ethan
Russo, MD:
https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&source=web&rct=j&url
=https://www.phytecs.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/
IntroductionECS.pdf&ved=2ahUKEwjAjnD5KbjAhUWOisKHftrAP4QFjAKegQIAhAB&usg=AOv
Vaw2ZQneZxKGQrSO7f3Fxh-ae
HERE ARE THE CURRENT DVA GUIDELINES:
Introduction
The Department of Veterans’ Affairs (DVA) may consider
funding medicinal cannabis for its clients in certain
circumstances, under a framework with criteria as set out
below. The framework ensures decisions on whether or not
to fund medicinal cannabis are based on the best scientific
evidence available, and are consistent with Common -
wealth, State and Territory laws. This framework was ap -
proved by the Repatriation Commission and the Military
Compensation and Rehabilitation Commission in July
2018. For any queries, please call the Veterans’ Affairs
Pharmaceutical Advisory Centre on 1800 552 580.
Framework
Under this framework, DVA may consider funding
medicinal cannabis for its clients only under circumstances
when:
DVA has an existing liability to treat the medical
condition, such as for Gold Card holders, for non-liability
healthcare, and for accepted disabilities; the amount of
cannabis taken is determined by clinical need; the
treatment is supported by several high quality scientific
studies with very few or no credible opposing findings that
it is effective in treating the condition; first line treatment
(if available and appropriate) for the condition has been
attempted and has failed; the treatment is legal, i.e. it is
consistent with Commonwealth, State, and Territory laws
(DVA would require a copy of relevant approvals); the
treatment is listed under the Australian Register of
Therapeutic Goods, unless approval is sought from the
Therapeutic Goods Administration under the Special
Access Scheme or Authorised Prescriber Schedule; and
DVA has received a written assessment from the treating
specialist that medicinal cannabis would clinically benefit
the patient and the specialist has advised the patient of
potential contraindications; the specialist has undertaken a
suicide and mental health assessment and determined
there is no increased risk from medicinal cannabis on
suicide ideation or mental health; and the patient has no
current substance use disorder and has low risk for
substance use disorder.
In light of this information, Cannabis access will require
the following documents in order to proceed with a DVA
funding application:
Written assessment from your treating specialist (a
specialist relevant to the condition being treated with
medicinal cannabis, e.g. if the indication is chronic pain, it
would need to be a pain specialist), that medicinal cannabis
would clinically benefit your condition. Written evidence
that your treating specialist has advised you of potential
contraindications (i.e. Contraindications for medicinal
cannabis treatment – products containing THC are
generally not appropriate for patients who: Have a history
of hypersensitivity to any cannabinoid or products used in
manufacture (e.g. sesame oil); Have severe and unstable
cardio-pulmonary disease (angina, peripheral vascular
disease, cerebrovascular disease and arrhythmias) or risk
factors for cardiovascular disease—THC acts through the
CB1 receptors to decrease blood pressure, increase cardiac
demand and causes vasodilation. In those who smoke
cannabis, there is a four-fold risk of myocardial infarction in
the hour following smoking in those patients with unstable
ischaemic heart disease; Have a previous psychotic or
concurrent active mood disorder or anxiety disorder; Are
pregnant/breastfeeding—there are some reports of preterm
labour and low birth weight. Cannabinoids appear in
the breast milk.) Written evidence that your treating
specialist has undertaken a suicide and mental health
assessment and determined there is no increased risk from
medicinal cannabis on suicide ideation or mental health
and that you have no current substance use disorder and
have low risk for substance use disorder. Please also ensure
that DVA has an existing liability to treat the medical
condition, such as for Gold Card holders, for non-liability
healthcare, and for accepted disabilities.
Alternatively, you can have your treating specialist
complete the attached form.
Note: If you would like any further details contact Jason
Directly on jay.frost@hotmail.com
COMMANDO ~ The Magazine of the Australian Commando Association ~ Edition 1 I 2020 39