Trials and Tribulations: Marijuana Exports and Cancer Trial Myths

The Norfolk Island Government has granted Australian medicinal cannabis company AusCann a license to grow and export the crop with harvests beginning in May 2016.
For the time being the only strain being grown will be Sativa and Sativa-dominant strains for the Canadian market and it is estimated that up to 10 tonnes per year will be exported by 2018.
While a valuable new industry for the Norfolk Island economy, Australia is yet to benefit from the arrangement as medicinal marijuana use is currently contained to trials in Queensland, New South Wales and Victoria (but do not commence until later this year).
Interest may be high in the Australian medicinal marijuana trials for those living with epilepsy, immunological conditions and chronic pain however Cancer Council Victoria today released a statement indicating a stagnation in participation in cancer research clinical trials.
Trial participation in the United Kingdom has risen from 4% to 15% over the past 20 years, compared to the Australian rates consistently hovering around 6-7%. Cancer Council Victoria’s Clinical Network Deputy Chair Orla McNally is keen to get our rate up to 15% by encouraging clinicians to talk to their patients about participation.
“Clinical trials are an essential step in transforming laboratory research findings into better health care for cancer patients,” Associate Professor McNally said.  “Clinical trials determine what works best, as well as what doesn’t.  They can also provide patients with access to drugs that are effective but aren’t yet approved for use in Australia, or which are too costly.  We also know that patients enrolled in clinical trials tend to have better outcomes just by participating in the trial.”
A relationship of communication between treating doctor and patient is always encouraged, and the Cancer Council Victoria wants to get patients to start asking more questions too, by debunking myths.
Common clinical trial myths
Myth 1: “If I take part in a trial, I won’t get the best treatment available.”
Fact:  You will receive at least the same quality of care you would expect if you weren’t on a trial. Generally, trial participants receive standard care (the best known treatment) or a new treatment that doctors believe is better than the standard treatment.
Myth 2: “There’s no point taking part in a trial as I won’t benefit.”
Fact: There are advantages to being involved in a clinical trial like accessing programs, medicines or treatments that aren’t widely available. However, joining a study doesn’t always mean you will be better off than before or compared to other people in a similar situation.  Either way you’ll be informed of all possible risks and benefits before making a decision.
Myth 3: “Clinical trials are risky.”
Fact: Researchers must follow strict guidelines to ensure studies are as safe as possible for everyone involved, and all studies must be approved by specially appointed research and ethics committees.
Myth 4: “Clinical trials are only available at hospitals in capital cities.”
Fact: Many rural and regional hospitals have an active clinical research program. Talk to your treating team to get involved