Access to consistent cannabis products will be one of the main focus areas as Wollongong joins Newcastle university as leaders in a new study of medicinal marijuana.
The University of Wollongong’s Professor Nadia Solowij will be the co-leader of the new Australian Centre for Cannabinoid Clinical and Research Excellence (ACRE), which will be established by $2.5 million in funding from the National Health and Medical Research Council.
Newcastle’s co-leader Professor Jenny Martin said people had difficulty accessing reliable, consistent and clinically suitable cannabis products that are safe and effective.
“Recent legislation has improved the situation but appropriate research is needed to enable evidence to guide doctors on products and dosages that are safe and effective,” Professor Martin said.
ACRE will undertake medical cannabinoid research, consolidate existing data into guidance, and link health outcomes from people currently accessing local and imported products to guide plant growing and product formulation into appropriate medicines.
“At this critical juncture where legislation around cannabis and cannabinoids is rapidly changing in Australia and worldwide, there is tremendous opportunity for Australia to establish world leadership in cautious and appropriately balanced management of the implementation of medicinal cannabinoids into specialist and primary health care settings,” Professor Solowij said.
