Slow down
THE pros and cons of medical marijuana use were examined on Wednesday night during a forum hosted by the Barbados Association of Medical Practitioners (BAMP).
The general consensus of the featured panel of medical professionals at the Lloyd Erskine Sandiford Centre was that while there are many potential benefits to be derived, there needs to be more research on the subject matter before Barbados signs on fully, recognising the complexities of the drug.
The panel included BAMP President Dr. P. Abdon Da Silva, haematologist Dr. Cheryl Alexis, Psychiatrist Dr. Joanne Brathwaite, pharmacist David Lewis and anaesthetist Dr. Adrian Waterman.
It was stressed that the forum was intended to be an educating and learning exercise rather than a meeting to inform policy going forward since those represented were not speaking on behalf of the government.
The diverse members of the audience in many instances expressed frustration and were very vocal about their view that Barbados appears to be always a step behind in the medical field and has the opportunity to be a leader rather than a follower in this field. It was also stressed that there is a need for greater political will to make medical marijuana use a reality in Barbados, with further suggestions that research already exists around the world showing the benefits of the drug, therefore Barbados does not need to reinvent the wheel.
Dr. Da Silva during his presentation concluded that any promotion of the medical use of cannabinoids will require extensive education of the public and medical professionals on the risks of the non-medical use of cannabis. For this reason he said Barbados ought to “slow down” and “tread carefully” before making a decision. Dr. Da Silva said patients should be informed that medical treatment must be based on scientific evidence and illness should continue to be treated by health professionals employing scientific evidence. “This is responsible policy.”
He acknowledged that cannabis has been recommended [for conditions] such as neuropathic pain, as an adjunct in treating cancer pain, to treat nausea and vomiting and to help anxiety to name a few. On the other hand, he noted that areas of caution include the fact that cannabis is contraindicated in those with a history of psychosis, current or past substance use disorders, cardiovascular or respiratory disease, pregnancy. Its use is cautioned in patients younger than 25, in patients with active mood disorders, or those who use high doses, or alcohol or benzodiazepines.
When asked if members of BAMP have shown a willingness to use medical marijuana on the island, he explained that no research has been carried out to determine this number.
“I have no doubts in my mind that every doctor in this room, in this country or any other country in the world will prescribe any drug for any reason once there are benefits. In terms of where we go with marijuana. This is only the beginning,” he assured.
He said BAMP is hoping that it will be in a position to advise on the next steps. “I must tell you that we are not often consulted by anybody in any medical sphere before they proceed with things. We hear about it very often, afterward. I am hoping that we will have a role in the future in the direction of marijuana as a medical drug and for recreational use and the decriminalisation.”
Anaesthetist Dr. Adrian Waterman told the audience, “I am not against the use of an agent that hopefully brings great benefit to anybody, but all I am saying on my part is to make sure that we have the appropriate framework; that we can properly regulate it that it doesn’t get out there and then we can’t control the side effects or the adverse effects, or people stealing it from you and using it for other purposes, as we have seen with the opiod epidemic. That is why I tread very carefully,” he said. (JH)