The Department of Veterans’ Affairs (DVA) has reiterated that only when there is sufficient clinical evidence will it consider subsidizing medicinal cannabis in the treatment of mental health conditions.
In a statement to Cannabiz, the DVA remained steadfast in its approach, insisting the lack of published material and “risk of harm” meant it would not offer financial help to veterans suffering from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and other mental health conditions.
The long-held position will frustrate, but not surprise, campaigners, who believe there is ample real-world evidence of lives being improved – transformed in many cases – through the use of medicinal cannabis.
A rolling survey conducted by Dr James Stewart recently suggested large numbers of PTSD sufferers, including veterans, experienced “life-changing” improvements in their health after turning to medicinal cannabis, with few side effects.
Many were also able to reduce or cease other medications together, including SSRIs and benzodiazepines.
But the data cut no ice with the DVA.
“The Department of Veterans’ Affairs does not fund medicinal cannabis for mental health conditions. This position is in line with the expert guidance of the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists,” a spokesperson said.
“There is a lack of published evidence on safety and effectiveness for mental health conditions. Current evidence suggests a risk of harm associated with using medicinal cannabis in people with mental health conditions such as PTSD.”
Where there is evidence of a clinical benefit, the DVA said does offer financial assistance for veterans, it said.
“These specific conditions include chronic pain, chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting, palliative care indications, anorexia and wasting associated with chronic illness such as cancer, spasticity from neurological conditions and refractory pediatric epilepsy,” the spokesperson said.
“Other established treatments need to have been tried prior to starting medicinal cannabis and safety assessments must have been undertaken by the prescribing doctor.
“The DVA continues to monitor and review its Medicinal Cannabis Framework in light of developing research and published evidence regarding the efficacy and safety of medicinal cannabis as a treatment for different conditions, and Therapeutic Goods Administration regulations.”