Pennington Institute Warns Cannabis Crackdown Risks Patient Harm in Australia

Australia's Pennington Institute is urging the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) to maintain a balanced and evidence-based approach to medicinal cannabis access, warning that overly restrictive measures, especially on high-THC products, could push patients toward unsafe illicit markets. The Institute supports safe, affordable access through medical frameworks and highlights the need for sensible improvements without increasing barriers for patients. This stance contrasts with the Australian Medical Association's call for stricter regulations, including freezing high-THC products. Meanwhile, a U.S. study published in JAMA Pediatrics reveals that nearly 1 in 5 young adults use cannabis as a sleep aid, though experts caution that while cannabis may help with falling asleep initially, it could worsen sleep quality and increase substance use over time. Research on cannabis's effectiveness for insomnia remains mixed, with outcomes varying among users. These developments underscore ongoing debates about cannabis regulation, medical use, and public health implications.