Kathrine Frich
One doctor reportedly issued over 17,000 scripts within the period.
One doctor reportedly issued over 17,000 scripts within the period.
Doctors Under Fire for Cannabis Prescription Surge
Eight Australian doctors issued a staggering 87,000 medical cannabis prescriptions in just six months, triggering alarms at the national health watchdog.
The Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (Aphra) has released new guidance amid fears that patient welfare is being sidelined in favor of profit.
Alarming Prescription Patterns Raise Red Flags
Aphra flagged that some practitioners may be operating in ethical grey zones. One doctor reportedly issued over 17,000 scripts within the period.
The watchdog noted patterns such as ultra-short consultations, prescriptions without proper medical indication, and failing to assess mental health or substance use history.
Emergency Departments Seeing Cannabis-Induced Psychosis
Concerns are growing over the health consequences of irresponsible prescribing.
Hospitals are reporting an increase in patients presenting with cannabis-induced psychosis, in some cases requiring inpatient psychiatric care.
Aphra’s statement emphasized the potential for serious harm.
Aphra Targets High-Prescribing Doctors
The regulator says it will pursue doctors with suspiciously high prescription rates, regardless of whether a formal complaint has been made.
CEO Justin Untersteiner made clear that authorities are ready to “knock on the door” of anyone found skirting standards.
Profit Over Patients? Watchdog Sounds the Alarm
Aphra expressed concern that some business models are exploiting telehealth and online questionnaires to coach patients into qualifying for prescriptions.
These models may prioritize commercial success over thorough medical evaluation and safe patient outcomes.
New Guidelines Reinforce Ethical Standards
The updated guidance reminds prescribers that medicinal cannabis should be treated like any drug of dependence.
Practitioners are expected to apply the same caution and professional scrutiny they would use for opioids or benzodiazepines.
Prescriptions Legal Since 2016, But Regulation Lags
While medicinal cannabis has been legal in Australia since 2016, the recent surge in prescriptions — amplified by the rise of telehealth — has outpaced regulatory oversight.
News GP noted that this unchecked growth has prompted urgent reforms.
Limited Medical Use Backed by Evidence
Despite growing popularity, cannabis is only strongly supported by clinical evidence for a handful of conditions.
These include certain childhood epilepsies, multiple sclerosis-related muscle spasms, specific neuropathic pain, and chemotherapy-induced nausea.
Aphra Takes Disciplinary Action
ABC News reported that Aphra has already taken action against 57 practitioners, including doctors, pharmacists, and nurses.
Another 60 are under investigation. The agency is determined to rein in the over-prescription trend before it causes broader public health issues.
