Author: Quinton Haslett
In the intricate dance between health and healing, traditional medicine has long revered the individual, tailoring treatments to the nuanced needs of each patient. This personalised approach, grounded in an intimate understanding of the body's intricacies and each individual's unique circumstances, has been the cornerstone of holistic healing practices for centuries.
Yet, as the landscape of healthcare evolves and the embrace of alternative therapies expands, there's a growing need for this same level of personalised attention within the world of cannabis medications. Just as traditional remedies are prescribed with meticulous consideration for the individual, there's a rising demand for cannabis therapies that are not just effective but also finely tuned to the specific needs and nuances of each patient.
This shift in perspective heralds a new era in healthcare, one where the one-size-fits-all approach is no longer deemed sufficient. Patients are no longer content with generic recommendations or broad-stroke treatments but want solutions that speak directly to their unique circumstances and concerns.
Personalised medicine holds the potential to revolutionise our approach to healthcare, addressing concerns about the use of medical cannabis, including interactions, side effects, and treatment suitability. It aims to rectify the shortcomings of commercial drugs, which prescribe generic doses for broad categories like "adults and children over 12 years of age."
Gone are the days of commission driven sales representatives dictating the patients medication choices.
The transformative potential of cannabis, promising to reshape healthcare and save lives, has been a driving force in this sector. The global cannabis community has played a significant role in legalisation and awareness efforts, fueling the momentum behind the plant.
However, it's essential to recognise that the communal power of cannabis is rooted in personal therapeutic experiences and individual well-being. Our relationship with cannabis is deeply personal and intimate.
Engaging with patients, consumers, and those familiar with the plant reveals a myriad of unique experiences, all contextualised by the healing potential of cannabis. Yet, this diversity presents challenges, particularly in navigating the market's commodification.
While experimentation may be part of recreational use, it's not suitable for therapeutic or medicinal purposes. Patients seek consistency and reliability in their treatment regimens.
Approaching cannabis-based medicine demands the same scientific rigour applied in other health sciences, centred on the patient rather than the drug. With advancements in technology and understanding of the cannabis plant, healthcare professionals can tailor treatments to individual profiles and needs.
Personalised medicine tailors therapeutic approaches to individual patient characteristics, guided by the scientific method and the mantra of starting low and going slow. This approach minimises side effects, improves efficacy, and potentially reduces treatment costs compared to trial-and-error methods.
Cannabis therapy finds a natural ally in compounding medicine, which considers patient-specific factors like age, gender, weight, and genomics to create tailored treatment plans. This individualised approach ensures treatments address specific illnesses rather than applying generic solutions.
Personalised medicine represents a paradigm shift in healthcare, addressing concerns surrounding medical cannabis use while providing tailored and effective treatment options.
By prioritising patient needs and leveraging advancements in medical science, we can unlock the full potential of cannabis-based medicine.