Insights into medicinal cannabis for chronic pain amid Andrew Johns’ recent pain battle for 2022 National Pain Week

WORDS: Tabatha Willis PHOTOGRAPHY Supplied

Australia’s Medicinal Cannabis Doctor of The Year recipient, Dr James Stewart, has today revealed his insights into how medicinal cannabis works to support inflammatory conditions causing chronic pain for National Pain Week 2022 (25th July – 1st August) following Andrew Johns’ recent announcement amid his
battle with chronic neck pain.

Dr Stewart, one of Australia’s leading doctors who recently received the People’s Choice Award at the 2021 Australian Cannabis Industry Awards, says medicinal cannabis still has a common stigma surrounding it as many Australians might not know how it works to combat chronic pain.

Traditional anti-inflammatories may have negative side effects such as gut and stomach issues, whereas medicinal cannabis may not have those side effects. Cannabidiol oil (CBD oil) is believed to help reduce inflammation, which can cause this pain as well as additional calming effects to reduce anxiety symptoms.

Recent announcements from sporting alumni including eighth immortal of rugby league Andrew Johns and Levin Health’s newest Sports Advisory Board member, has revealed the NRL star uses medicinal cannabis to treat chronic neck pain from infusions needed from years of contact sport. While his case is generating a much-needed conversation about medicinal cannabis, Dr Stewart says it is important potential patients understand how it may work.

“As medicinal cannabis is becoming a largely discussed topic due to recent cases in the media, including Andrew Johns and Lauren Jackson use of CBD oil, it’s vital that potential patients and those sufferingfrom chronic health conditions understand the process in how medicinal cannabis can help and how it differs from traditional medicines,” said Dr Stewart.

“The main conditions that respond to CBD are any anti-inflammatory conditions including the different arthritis’ such as osteo and rheumatoid and any of your pain conditions that present with inflammatory properties. This includes fibromyalgia as well as any general aches and pains that usually have inflammatory components. CBD is believed to dial down that inflammatory process and allows the body to move more freely without pain.

“A lot of people still have a fear or a negative notion towards medicinal cannabis because of Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). THC has great benefits in the right doses and doesn’t harbour a dosage large enough to produce a psychosis effect, which some people might still be afraid of. It has the ability to help with pain as much as CBD oil. A lot of people also don’t realise that medicinal cannabis is generally prescribed as a CBD oil which you ingest orally, not smoked or inhaled.

“There are everyday people out there suffering from chronic pain caused by conditions such as arthritis from a career in building or pain from a hip replacement that might not have found the right treatment option yet. I hope that as we continue to fight to break down the stigma and provide more research and
education to the wider public about just how medicinal cannabis could potentially help them, I hope to see it much more widely recognised so these potential patients out there, who might have tried every traditional avenue for pain relief through westernised medicines, can access the help they need,” concluded Dr Stewart.

“Cases like Andrew Johns and Lauren Jackson, both of whom are current members of our Levin Health Sports Advisory Board, are working hard to break down the negative view on medicinal cannabis, showing Australians in many cases it may be a safe and effective treatment option for people to get the support they may need,” said Mark Brayshaw, Managing Director at Levin Health.

“Once usage is de-stigmatised through education and research, which we are doing through our Medical and Sports Advisory Boards and world-leading clinical trials, it can be more accepted in all medical practices and can really make a difference in terms of all health conditions. It’s about giving people a better quality of life again,” concluded Mr Brayshaw.

Committed to solving some of the most challenging health issues facing the wider community by using sports advocacy and leadership to support its evidence based research, Levin Health is helping to find treatment options for numerous health issues.

The sports science company uses an evidence-based approach to develop pharmaceutical-grade medicinal cannabis products and objective diagnostic and treatment devices for numerous health conditions. To help guide its research, activities and strategy in areas including chronic pain, concussion and mental health, their Medical and Sports Advisory Boards provide Levin Health access to each member’s unique knowledge and industry experience.