The Medical Research Future Fund is to allocate $3 million to a research program to examine the benefits of medicinal cannabis for cancer sufferers, in particular pain relief, symptoms and the management of side effects.
Announcing the move, Minister for Health, Greg Hunt said an open and contestable grant opportunity would fund research to provide further evidence into an area of increasing interest in Australia and globally.
Mr Hunt said he was committed to ensuring a safe, quality supply of medicinal cannabis to Australian patients, but only when it was prescribed by a medical professional.
“Overall, more than 11,000 patients are estimated to have been approved to access medicinal cannabis products, with the majority approved this year,” Mr Hunt said.
“There have only been a limited number of well-designed clinical studies on medicinal cannabis, and we need to increase the evidence base to support medical professionals to make their decisions.”
He said that given the increase in prescribed medicinal cannabis, the Government had supported the nation’s medicinal cannabis industry, and cut red tape to help meet demand.
“The medicinal cannabis industry has the potential to make a significant contribution to exports, employment and economic growth, particularly in rural and regional areas,” Mr Hunt said.
“To support further growth in the industry, applicants with Major Project Status will be given priority to receive medicinal cannabis licences through the Office of Drug Control.”
