Youth medicinal cannabis prescriptions surge in Australia, raising health concerns

The Therapeutic Goods Administration reports over 50,000 medical cannabis product approvals for Australians under 25 from 2016 to 2024, with a notable acceleration since 2021. Most recipients are young adults aged 20 to 25, though 10% are children younger than 15. Anxiety disorders and chronic pain account for 43% and 28% of the approvals respectively, followed by neurodevelopmental conditions and sleep disorders.

University of Melbourne researchers found that younger children are typically given cannabidiol-rich oils, while older teens and young adults receive higher-THC formulations, often via inhalation. General practitioners prescribe the majority of these products. Senior research fellow Christine Hallinan cautioned that THC can interfere with adolescent brain development and is linked to psychosis and cannabis use disorder, and she highlighted concerns about online clinics where prescribers are employed by the cannabis suppliers.