Provocatus calls for ethical standards in medicinal cannabis practices for Veterans
On 11 November 2024, the ABC News published an article examining the issue of ADF veterans being targeted by companies leveraging social media to advertise access to “free” DVA funded medicinal cannabis.
The article highlighted that the practices adopted by these companies, which included veterans being bombarded with afterhours text messages to book appointments, had resulted in patients with documented histories of addiction, psychosis and schizophrenia, being supplied excessive quantities of products containing tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) - the psychoactive ingredient in medicinal cannabis.
The article explained that in some circumstances, the supply of medications containing THC continued even after patients had disclosed their health conditions and requested the supply of these products cease.
The article also outlined the utilisation of technology platforms to facilitate patient access to medicinal cannabis without consultation with a doctor.
As a veteran owned healthcare company with a keen interest in supporting the health and wellbeing of veterans throughout Australia, including using cannabinoid therapy where appropriate, Provocatus finds the practices described in this ABC News article deeply concerning.
Organisations operating in the healthcare sector have a responsibility to protect vulnerable patient groups.
This is achieved by ensuring patient safety is central to the model of care they adopt, ensuring their professional judgement is not coloured by commercial interest, and adherence to government regulations.
“The current situation highlights an urgent need for stringent regulations to ensure that any medicinal cannabinoid treatments are initiated with full transparency and under the guidance of an integrated and trusted medical team. This would prevent the risk of further harm and maintain the quality and continuity of care our Veterans deserve”
Kasey Mumford, CEO Provocatus Pty Ltd
Provocatus firmly believes that veterans are best cared for in their community by a team of local healthcare providers and acknowledges the important role that the family unit plays in the health and wellbeing of this patient cohort.
Provocatus also understands that technology can be an invaluable tool for delivering healthcare but contends that technology should not replace in-person consultations, particularly when risk of suicidality is a known problem amongst this patient cohort.
For this reason, Provocatus’ risk-based approach to the delivery of healthcare ensures that, as far as possible, veterans are connected to a doctor and pharmacist in their local area, and that clinicians are supported to deliver care through the provision of education aimed at reducing the complexities of veteran healthcare.
Where local care is not possible, patients will regularly see a doctor at Provocatus, and clinical staff will communicate directly with the veteran’s regular general practitioner and if applicable, treating psychiatrist.
Dr Richard Magtengaard, principal Psychiatrist and Director at Resolute Support echoes Kasey’s concerns.
"As a Consultant Psychiatrist and Navy Veteran dedicated to the mental health care of serving members, our Veterans, and first responders, I am increasingly concerned by the number of patients now attending appointments who report being initiated on medicinal cannabinoids—often including THC administered via vape devices. This occurs without consultation with their established healthcare team, raising significant concerns regarding care continuity, safety, and patient welfare.
A particularly troubling aspect is that many Veterans tell me these services bypass their usual GP, instead claiming funding from DVA’s Coordinated Veterans’ Care (CVC) program for themselves, effectively sidelining the patient’s primary care provider.
Additionally, there is a disturbing trend of unethical entrepreneurs targeting Veterans with promotional inducements such as prize draws and holiday offers. Consent to enter these competitions comes with a clause agreeing to receive marketing materials, which, in turn, unleashes unsolicited calls and SMS messages, often during the evening hours, creating additional stress for those already coping with complex health issues.
Several of my patients have been left in a worrying state of confusion and compromised well-being.
Recently, two of my patients reported to these companies that they were not waking until late in the morning, likely due to the effects of THC. Disturbingly, rather than receiving guidance on reducing or discontinuing the product, both were advised to continue as before.
The current situation highlights an urgent need for stringent regulations to ensure that any medicinal cannabinoid treatments are initiated with full transparency and under the guidance of an integrated and trusted medical team.
This would prevent the risk of further harm and maintain the quality and continuity of care our Veterans deserve."
Medicinal cannabis organisations who are interested in Australian veteran healthcare can and should do better. Provocatus will continue to lead the delivery of excellent health outcomes for veterans across Australia and welcomes further dialogue about this matter.
Read the ABC article by Elise Worthington and Michael Workman.
Click here for more information on the Veteran Access Scheme.
Please click here if you or someone you know is in a crisis situation or call 000 in an emergency.
