Medical cannabis should not be the primary recourse against illnesses, but should only be referred to after all other standard medicines failed or had adverse effects, the Medical Association of Malta warned on Thursday.

Speaking at a press conference, the Medical Association warned that the side effects for cannabis was high and that there were drugs that were more effective with milder side effects.

“Cannabis is no wonder drug,” MAM general secretary Martin Balzan said.

The association was against recreational use, “because cannabis is ultimately an addictive substance,” Dr Balzan said.

MAM general secretary Martin Balzan. Photo: Jonathan Borg

The media has sensationalised the effects of cannabis, they insist, and the Medical Association of Malta is “afraid” that the public will turn to their doctor to try and get cannabis, believing that it is a miracle drug.

Dr Balzan dismissed media reports that the medicine can prevent Alzheimer’s, saying that there is very low anecdotal evidence that backs this claim up.

The Medical Association insisted that the law provides enough safeguards to protect patients but warned against a climate where people turn to medical cannabis before other drugs.

“We can live with the law as it is, but we do not want any amendments that may increase its recreational use,” Dr Balzan said.

Very few cases can benefit from the introduction of medical cannabis, namely cases of chronic pain, severe spasticity in multiple sclerosis and loss of appetite associated with AIDS.

There are avenues which are better, safer, and which have a lower side effect profile, the Medical Association insisted.

Cabinet approved medical cannabis last month, with the Prime Minister envisioning Malta becoming a production centre for medicinals.

The Drug Dependence (Treatment not Imprisonment) Act allowed specialists to prescribe medical cannabis if they believe there is no better alternative.

But amendments reported this week saw Health Minister Chris Fearne going against cannabis prescription intended for smoking, insisting that the amendment is “not a window” for people to use the plant for recreational purposes.

Read: Health Minister shuts door on smoking medical cannabis

The cannabis flower will also be barred under the new amendment.

Addressing Parliament last Monday, Shadow Health minister Stephen Spiteri supported the amendment, lauding its health benefits. He also supported the ban on legalising smoking cannabis, saying that recreational use can lead to abuse.

The position of the Medical Association of Malta is in line with the World Medical Association. You can read their position here:
https://www.wma.net/policies-post/wma-statement-on-medical-cannabis/