Australian Medical Cannabis Patients Face Ongoing Product Shortages
Australian patients relying on prescribed medical cannabis are being left stranded as frequent product shortages disrupt their access to vital medication. This troubling situation is being labelled a disgrace by patients who depend on cannabis-based treatments to manage chronic conditions, pain and other, sometimes life-threatening, medical issues.
“This isn’t just an inconvenience; it is doing harm to patients”, said Suzette Luyken, patient advocate and Secretary of Legalise Cannabis Queensland Party. “With holidays upon us and supply chains closing for extended periods, those with psychiatric disabilities will be negatively affected. Depression can deepen over this season and the results could be devastating for those who suffer from PTSD and other mental health issues. Imagine if this were insulin or heart medication—it would be a national scandal!”
Medical cannabis was legalised in Australia in 2016, offering hope to patients with conditions often resistant to conventional therapies. However, the reality has been far less promising. Supply chain disruptions, inadequate stock and poor planning have left pharmacies unable to fill prescriptions, forcing patients to endure the consequences.
“For many patients, the fallout has been severe. The interruption of care has left many struggling to manage their conditions effectively. Patients must endure debilitating symptoms; go back onto heavy-duty pharmaceuticals or seek out product from the black market”.
The crisis has sparked urgent calls for action from both government agencies and the corporate cannabis industry. Key demands from patients and advocacy groups include:
- Improved supply chain transparency and planning;
- Emergency stock reserves to prevent shortages;
- Greater accountability from manufacturers and distributors.
“Australia has excelled in many areas of healthcare, but when it comes to medical cannabis, we are letting our patients down” said Suzette. “It’s time for regulators, manufacturers and distributors to address these issues with the urgency they deserve”.
Patients and advocates are urging all Australians to support equitable access to medical cannabis, stressing that no patient should suffer harm due to preventable supply shortages.
For further information or to arrange interviews, please contact:
Suzette Luyken