Championing Safe and Regulated Cannabis Use for Medical Breakthrough

5 October 2023

In a groundbreaking perspective on cannabis, Monash University Malaysia's pharmacy students, James Kong Shi Hao, Ho Poe Ying, Khun Jia Yie, Khong Yi Fei, Hu Shing Ye, Kasmithra K.Bathu Ganesan, Kchelly Kiu Eng Sie, Ravinashri Kandasamy, Edward Kong Qi Heng, Melanie Jin Sze Wee, are leading the charge to advocate for safe and regulated cannabis use. Challenging conventional beliefs, they firmly believe that cannabis holds the potential for remarkable medical breakthroughs.

Cannabis is still illegal in most countries except Canada, Georgia, Malta, Mexico, South Africa, Thailand and Uruguay. Research has shown that around 9 per cent of adults and 17 per cent of teens who consume cannabis will become addicted.

However, recognising its untapped potential in revolutionising medical treatments and through rigorous research and evidence, the students have discovered that cannabis offers a wealth of therapeutic benefits, capable of addressing various medical conditions. From chronic pain management to anxiety relief and beyond, cannabis could be the missing puzzle piece in improving the lives of countless patients.

In Malaysia, where cannabis is illegal, pharmacists play a crucial role in identifying signs of cannabis misuse and promptly reporting them to the relevant authorities. With the rising use of recreational and medicinal cannabis, patients and healthcare professionals are increasingly seeking guidance from pharmacists on topics such as drug interactions, safety, and efficacy. Therefore, it is imperative for pharmacists to proactively educate themselves on the use of medical cannabis, equipping them to provide reliable and trustworthy information to patients and healthcare professionals.

While these pharmacy students champion the use of cannabis, they emphasise the crucial importance of responsible regulation. By implementing robust regulations, they believe that cannabis can be harnessed effectively, providing relief and hope to individuals suffering from debilitating conditions.

"As aspiring pharmacists, we recognise the emerging evidence highlighting the medicinal value of cannabis. We aim to harness the therapeutic benefits of cannabis and provide safe and effective alternatives when conventional therapies prove ineffective," said Kasmithra.

Noting that pharmacists have a critical role to play in addressing substance abuse issues, James stated, "We believe that pharmacists should actively participate in identifying patients and individuals facing challenges related to substance abuse. By integrating substance abuse assistance into their practice, pharmacists can make a meaningful impact on improving outcomes and promoting overall well-being."

To realise their vision, Ravinashri, Jia Yie, and Poe Ying encourage collaboration between researchers, healthcare professionals, and policymakers. They advocate for an open dialogue, fostering partnerships that drive innovation and propel cannabis research forward.

"We do not anticipate the Pharmacy Board of Malaysia to pursue cannabis legalisation. Instead, we emphasise the importance of robust regulation. In the absence of legalisation, we expect the Pharmacy Board to implement comprehensive laws and regulations to address the misuse of cannabis," Kelly expressed.

Pharmacists are responsible for conducting thorough interviews with patients to evaluate the safety, effectiveness, and potential illicit drug use before dispensing medications. "To facilitate this process, it would be beneficial for the Pharmacy Board of Malaysia to develop a standardised questionnaire that pharmacists can utilise to assess the likelihood of drug abuse. Staying updated on trends and patterns of illicit drug use is essential for pharmacists to swiftly identify any red flags during patient interactions," Edward stated.

Melanie and Shing Ye are committed to empowering patients and healthcare professionals with knowledge about cannabis. Through comprehensive education initiatives, they aim to demystify the misconceptions surrounding cannabis and highlight its potential as a legitimate therapeutic option. By disseminating accurate information and providing guidance, they aspire to create a well-informed society that embraces the potential benefits of cannabis.