Advocacy groups have attributed medicinal cannabis prescription shortfalls during the holiday period to supply chain failures, insufficient stock levels, and inadequate forward planning that left pharmacies unable to meet patient demand.
Legalise Cannabis Queensland (LCQ) and the Medical Cannabis Users Association (MCUA) say patients are being left without access to their medication as recurring product shortages continue to disrupt supply.
LCQ secretary and patient advocate Suzette Luyken added: "This isn't just an inconvenience; it is doing harm to patients.
"Before Christmas, supply chains were closing for extended periods and those with psychiatric disabilities were badly affected. Depressions deepen over this season and the results can be devastating for those who suffer from PTSD and depression.
"Imagine if this were insulin or heart medication – it would be a national scandal."
Luyken said the impact on patients who cannot obtain their medication can be severe, leaving them to endure debilitating symptoms, revert to "heavy duty" pharmaceuticals, or turn to the illicit market for supply.
The groups are now pushing for greater transparency and planning across supply chains, the creation of emergency stock reserves to guard against future shortages, and stronger accountability measures for manufacturers and distributors.
"Australia has excelled in many areas of healthcare, but when it comes to medical cannabis, we are letting our patients down," Luyken said.
"It's time for regulators, manufacturers, and distributors to address these issues with the urgency they deserve."
