Department discussing legislation on medical cannabis
The Department of Health is in the process of writing legislation on the legalisation of medical cannabis (marijuana).
According to Simon Zwane, spokesperson for the Gauteng Department of Health, the department has, however, not taken any view on this matter.
“The status quo will remain until parliament processes legislation on the matter,” he says.
Prof Michael Herbst, from Cansa, says that cannabis is a depressant drug which slows down the central nervous system and the messages going between the brain and the body.
“When large doses are taken it may also produce hallucinogenic effects,” he says.
He says that several studies have demonstrated the therapeutic effects of cannabinoids for nausea and vomiting in the advanced stages of illness, such as cancer and Aids.
“Dronabinol has been available by prescription for more than a decade in the US.
“Other therapeutic uses include the treatment of asthma and glaucoma, as an anti-depressant, appetite stimulant, anticonvulsant and anti-spasmodic.”
He says that smoking is not a good way to take any medication because carcinogenic substances are inhaled into the lungs.
“More research is needed to develop other ways of administering the active ingredient of cannabis for medical use.”
According to Prof Herbst the potential benefits of medicinal cannabis for people living with cancer includes antiemetic effects, appetite stimulation, pain relief and improved sleep.
“Cansa lauds Oriani Ambrosini (MP) who, last year, was diagnosed with stage four inoperable lung cancer, for raising the issues around cannabinoids and the treatment of cancer by using cannabis.”
He says Ambrosini submitted a private member’s bill to parliament called the Medical Innovation Bill.
“The purpose of the bill is to make provision for innovation in medical treatment and to legalise the use of cannabinoids for medical purposes and beneficial commercial and industrial uses.
“The bill is currently under discussion by the Ministerial Advisory Committee on Cancer.”
He adds that Cansa will follow the committee’s deliberations and will adapt its fact sheet and position statement, with regards to the use of cannabinoids in the treatment of cancer, accordingly.
