Realistic standards

Ngā mihi, Russell Brown, for highlighting cannabis as an exit drug (“The good oil?” September 18). Prescription cannabis is a wonderful tool, supporting patients ready to come off strong medications such as opioid and gabapentinoid pain relievers, sleeping pills, benzodiazepines and antidepressants, to name a few. Although many patients benefit from those medicines, others feel disempowered by dependence, poor efficacy and adverse effects. Tapering and stopping them is often associated with a discontinuation syndrome, including dysphoria, emotional distress and insomnia – all potentially managed by various cannabis products.

In my 40 years of general practice, numerous patients have told me the only thing that eases chronic pain, anxiety/depression and insomnia is cannabis (dope, grass, pot, dak, weed – depending on the vernacular of the decade). Medical research and prescriber experience confirm their claims. And although prescription cannabis helps many to stop potent subsidised medicines, the $5-10 cost per day is a major barrier.

The Medicinal Cannabis Scheme has a goal of improving access to prescription cannabis. However, the Good Manufacturing Practice standard requirements set an impractically high bar for New Zealand manufacturers at a high cost that will pass on to consumers. Safe and affordable products are available in other countries that have set more realistic standards, something our scheme should be required to follow.

Dr Graham Gulbransen
Medicinal cannabis physician (Auckland)

TAXING ART AND CRAFTS

Detlef Klein’s letter (September 11) reminded me of why government departments should be