Australia supports and allows significant cannabis research despite cannabis being illegal under federal law.
Cannabis Research
The University of Sydney is one of the many cannabis research institutions. They worked with a charity organization, Epilepsy Action Australia, to initiate a study called the Pediatric Epilepsy Lambert Initiative Cannabinoid Analysis (PELICAN). This study takes a closer look at the effects of cannabis on children, who have epilepsy, as treatment.
In 2015, the Lambert Initiative launched as the biggest cannabis research group in Australia focusing on medical cannabis research but also aims to incorporate medical cannabis in treatments for various diseases and illnesses due to its high effectiveness.
Another research focus is analyzing cannabis and its connection to addiction, typically involving methamphetamine. In 2018, there were two important studies published on this matter: One was a unique study, published in the Journal of Psychopharmacology, finding CBD is able to reduce addictive behavior in rats “to search and consume” methamphetamine. The other study, published in The Lancet Journals, revealed THC can help bring relief to chronic pain.
The MCRA released a study in January 2020 that made it evident 1 in 10 women with endometriosis use cannabis because it relieves high levels of pain in their uterus/pelvic area and doesn’t come with the side effects they would receive from other hormonal treatment options. However, these women gain access to cannabis by illicit means because it is not under one of the required conditions and they find it is easier and cheaper.
Despite the strict regulations of medical cannabis in Australia and the high risks for one’s health and the possibility of facing a crime charge, access to cannabis continues through illicit means. This is due to the high prices, the restrictions on specific health conditions and the difficulty of finding a doctor who is willing to provide the prescription for it.
Licenses
Licenses have been determined necessary to guarantee a secure and safe framework for medical cannabis legalization in Australia. To sell medicinal cannabis in Australia the supplier must possess one of the following licenses types:
- Medicinal cannabis license for cultivation/production purposes;
- Cannabis research license for research purposes;
- Manufacturing license for manufacturing purposes.
When applying for any of these licenses, there are an extensive set of requirements that must be met in order to be awarded a license. Some of the conditions may include the suitability of you and your proposed associates that will be involved in your facility. A criminal background check will be conducted, mainly evaluating if there have been any serious offenses in the past 10 years.
The security design and location of your facility plays a large role in your license approval as well. Security must be considered as an “end-to-end process” covering all storage, handling, transportation, and engagement in any third party-controlled processes. Security must be reviewed and implemented for your physical site security of crops and equipment, information security, as well as personnel security of staff and contractors. Protecting your crops, equipment, and facility is one of the key components of operating a successful cannabis business.
Introducing cannabis research license as a requirement would become encouraged where it is hardly taking place and would also be conducted within a safer and more secure framework. Cannabis research would not only allow more knowledge transfer but also increase awareness on its effects.
How can Sapphire Risk help?
Tony Gallo and the team at Sapphire Risk Advisory Group has over 30 years of security experience and expertise. Take advantage of our security services and subscribe to our newsletter to learn more. Follow us on Facebook or connect with us on LinkedIn to receive further security updates.
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