In week 11 we had the pleasure of speaking to Dr Matty Moore about history of cannabis, access, interactions, dependency, and more. Matty currently works out of Dunsborough Medical Medical Centre in WA. Matty’s interest in medicinal cannabis stems from the rapid uptake and movement across the world but specifically the USA.

Dr. Moore is educated on the history of cannabis, the cannabis plant, and the endocannabinoid system. He completed studies in ‘Introduction to Prescribing Medicinal Cannabis’ Course through Medihuanna, Medicinal Cannabis Education. This journey has now allowed him to prescribe cannabis with confidence.

History of Cannabis in Australia

The first hemp seeds arrived in Australia with the First Fleet in 1788 that marked the first European settlement in Australia at Botany Bay. This was at the request of Sir Joseph Banks, the first recorded cannabis distributor in England and Australia. During the Age of Imperialism, the hemp industry powered Britain’s fleets and economy.

By the mid-1800s, cannabis was being used as medicine for tetanus, cholera, mental illness, rheumatism, rabies, and epilepsy. More research also prompted people to utilise cannabis as a drug to mitigate the effects of migraines, insomnia, and menstruation issues. Interestingly, Australian people also had access to medicinal cannabis cigarettes, called Cigars de Joy, that were advertised to relieve symptoms of illnesses such as cough, influenza, asthma, and bronchitis.

Decades later, in 2016, amendments were made to the Narcotic Drugs Act to legalise the production of medicinal CBD and scientific research purposes. However, recreational use of cannabis remains illegal across Australia. This is with the exception of the Australian Capital Territory where recreational use of cannabis is legalized for residents over the age of 18.

Matty has been approved by the TGA and WA Health to become an Authorised Prescriber for various products and indications.

Links:

Dr Matty Moore: https://www.mattmooremd.com/ 

External links:

https://www2.health.vic.gov.au/public-health/drugs-and-poisons/medicinal-cannabis.