Montu, Australia’s largest medical cannabis organisation, is calling for improved access to medical cannabis as statistics show those living in pain often contemplate suicide.

Statistics from the National Pain Survey, conducted by Chronic Pain Australia, show that 1 in 2 pain sufferers experience suicidal ideation, often because their prescribed treatments fail to adequately mitigate their symptoms.

Rhys Staley, Vice President of Montu, has urged lawmakers to consider the welfare of patients suffering from conditions which cause them pain. 

“It’s inhumane,” Staley argued.

“Patients are crying out for improved access to medical cannabis, but the system is behind the times. Many practitioners will only consider prescribing traditional white-pill medications - which we know can be inherently harmful.

“Montu’s patient clinic, Alternaleaf, sees the life-changing effect medical cannabis has on our patients every day. They tell us that they are able to be present and enjoy time with their families, and go back to enjoying their lives.

“To restrict information about medical cannabis products is to deny patients their freedom of choice - which is completely against the public’s interest.”

When Alison*’s pain went unmanaged, she began to seek out alternative options:

“My doctor put me on medication that exacerbated my mental health issues - causing me to self harm. I almost committed suicide,” she said.

“She was not happy that I started looking elsewhere for help, but finding alternatives to pharmaceutical medications saved me.”  

CEO of Chronic Pain Australia, Renee Rankin, strongly believes that effective treatments are crucial for individuals living with pain.

“Over 75% of the surveyed group indicated that they experience mental health issues as a result of their pain,” Rankin explained.

“At Chronic Pain Australia, we advocate for equitable access to a variety of options for pain management and emphasise the importance of collaborative care plans developed in partnership with medical practitioners.

“We remain dedicated to ensuring a diverse array of effective pain management strategies are available to enhance the well-being of individuals dealing with pain.”

For Elisa*, the switch to medical cannabis changed not only her own life, but the lives of those around her:

“My pain condition limits my ability to complete day-to-day tasks without some form of pain management,” she explained.

“My doctor was initially very hesitant to prescribe medical cannabis or support a referral to a pain specialist. I took the time to educate her and provide her with cannabis treatment options, and she became much more receptive and open to the idea.

“She has recently become more interested in cannabis treatment options for other patients living with chronic health conditions, like me.

“My entire life has changed for the better since transitioning off other medications and switching to medical cannabis.”

*Name changed for privacy reasons.