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AUSTRALIA’S LARGEST MEDICAL CANNABIS DEAL
A record number of Australian GPs and patients now have greater access to Medical Cannabis after a landmark deal was signed between a Western Australian health clinic network and Montu Group.
In the largest partnership of its kind in Australia, Montu will work with Jupiter Health’s GPs to educate and guide them on how Medical Cannabis can be prescribed to treat more than 30 conditions, such as chronic pain, anxiety and insomnia.
Research shows nationally more than a third of patients (36%) ask GPs about Medical Cannabis but until now less than 5 per cent of Australian doctors prescribed it as medication.
Montu Managing Director Christopher Strauch said the partnership meant more Australians could now access Medical Cannabis as an effective treatment option through their regular GP.
“Despite significant patient growth in Australia, Medical Cannabis is still seen as a niche treatment option and this partnership is a significant step to integrate cannabis into medical practice more broadly,” Mr Strauch said.
“We’ve had patients who have suffered from chronic pain for more than 20 years who were able to cease their opioids and can now live a normal life again. And others who successfully manage their symptoms after years of depression and poor sleep,” he said.
“We put patient outcomes first and are proud to facilitate widespread access to Medical Cannabis by actively supporting doctors here in WA and across the country through our nationwide team of medical liaisons.”
More than 50,000 patients in Australia have been approved for Medical Cannabis treatment since it was legalised in October 2016.
Jupiter Health operates Western Australia’s largest clinic network with more than 300 doctors across 30 clinics.
Jupiter Health’s CEO Michael Gendy said the deal with Montu meant they were able to access the fast-growing Australian Medical Cannabis market which has increased 20 per cent each month since January last year.
“We chose Montu as a knowledgeable partner to educate and guide our doctors throughout the Medical Cannabis prescription process,” Dr Gendy said.
“This partnership allows our patients access to Montu Group’s high-quality Medical Cannabis medication ‘Circle’ through secure, safe and reliable channels.”
