Medicinal Cannabis - where to from here?
As the use of medicinal cannabis continues to grow, occupational health professionals are increasingly faced with complex clinical, regulatory and workplace considerations. This session explores the latest evidence, prescribing practices and policy developments, while examining the implications for fitness for work, impairment, risk management and patient care.
Prof Michael Ward
Head of Pharmacy, School of Pharmacy and Biomedical Science
Medicinal cannabis: The pharmacology behind the evidence
Learning Objectives:
By participating in this session, delegates can expect to:
- Understand the pharmacology of medicinal cannabis, including the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of major cannabinoids, mechanisms of action, and factors contributing to variability in clinical effects.
- Apply pharmacological principles to demystify the diverse range of medicinal cannabis products, including differences in cannabinoid composition, formulations, routes of administration, and their implications for clinical use.
- Critically evaluate the current clinical evidence for medicinal cannabis across approved and emerging therapeutic indications, recognising the strengths, limitations, and quality of the available evidence.
Dr Matthew Green
Pain Physician
Medicinal cannabis - Does it have a role in pain management?
Managing Pain is complex and Multidimensional assessments - Treatments are typically engaged, often with imperfect outcomes.
There can be a role for clinicians to look at these Novel alternatives, let’s explore when, how and who can potentially benefit rom these Agents – in Specialist Clinical Practice.
Learning Objectives:
By participating in this session, delegates can expect to:
- Understand medical literature available for Cannabinoids - in pain management.
- Be familiar with prescription and usage considerations.
- Know how to approach education for patients considering this treatment.
Daniella Carling
Senior Associate, Finlaysons Lawyers
Medicinal cannabis, prescription medications and fitness for work: Navigating the legal and practical challenges
As the use of medicinal cannabis and other prescription medications becomes increasingly common, employers face complex legal and practical
challenges in managing workplace safety and fitness for work. This presentation explores employer and employee obligations, impairment considerations, fitness for work assessments, and recent legal developments, while providing practical guidance on balancing safety, legal compliance and worker wellbeing.
Learning Objectives:
By participating in this session, delegates can expect to:
- Understand the legal obligations of employers and employees where medicinal cannabis or other prescription medications may affect fitness for work
- Identify the key workplace safety and impairment issues arising from medicinal cannabis and prescription medication use, including practical approaches to fitness for work assessments.
- Apply practical strategies to manage workplace risk while balancing safety obligations, anti-discrimination considerations and employee wellbeing.
