Medicinal Cannabis: Have We Let the Genie Out of the Box (Again)?

Simone Henriksen; Teddy Henriksen

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Medicinal Cannabis: Have We Let the Genie Out of the Box (Again)?

Journal article

Open access

Peer reviewed

Medicinal Cannabis: Have We Let the Genie Out of the Box (Again)?

Simone Henriksen and Teddy Henriksen

Journal of Law and Medicine, Vol.32(4), pp.956-975

2026

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Abstract

Medicinal cannabis

Therapeutic Goods Administration

regulation

opiates

Medicinal cannabis has been legally available in Australia since 2016 as an unapproved therapeutic good. This means it has not been evaluated for its safety and efficacy by the Therapeutic Goods Administration. It has been estimated that in Australia more than one million patients have accessed medicinal cannabis as of January 2024. This article explores the significance of concerns raised by health regulators in Australia about the safety and efficacy of medicinal cannabis. To understand the significance of the concerns raised by AHPRA and other health regulators in Australia such as Queensland Health, this article explores regulatory failings around the treatment of chronic pain using sustained release opioids in the United States from the 1990s and compares these to current medicinal cannabis regulation in Australia.

Details

Title: Medicinal Cannabis: Have We Let the Genie Out of the Box (Again)?
Authors: Simone Henriksen - University of the Sunshine Coast
Teddy Henriksen - University of the Sunshine Coast
Publication details: Journal of Law and Medicine, Vol.32(4), pp.956-975
Publisher: Lawbook Co.
Date published: 2026
Organisation Unit: School of Law and Society
Language: English
Record Identifier: 991257196102621
Output Type: Journal article

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