Where might plant-based therapies have a role in general practice?

Where might medicinal cannabis fit into the management of conditions seen in general practice? From neurological conditions and chronic pain to behavioural symptoms associated with dementia, the potential applications are broad, but the evidence and clinical considerations vary considerably between conditions.

In this Q&A, Dr Joe Kosterich discusses where medicinal cannabis may have a role, including its potential to help manage symptoms such as pain, stiffness, spasticity, anxiety, insomnia, and nausea.

He also discusses the emerging evidence in areas including dementia, autism spectrum disorder, Tourette’s syndrome, Parkinson’s disease, autoimmune conditions, and skin conditions, while highlighting where evidence remains limited.

Dr Kosterich further explores the importance of distinguishing symptom management from treatment of the underlying condition, and discusses how the growing body of research and real-world experience is shaping understanding of medicinal cannabis in clinical practice. 

Watch the Q&A video

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Dr Joe Kosterich

Dr Joe Kosterich is a general practitioner, speaker, author, media presenter and health industry consultant. He writes for numerous medical and mainstream publications and is a regular on radio and television. He is often called to give opinions in medico legal cases, is clinical editor of a medical magazine, adjunct professor (teaching) at UWA and a lecturer at Curtin Medical School.

Dr Kosterich has a special interest in plant-based therapy, men’s health, chronic disease and mental health. He has self-published two books and maintains a website and blog with health information and commentary. Through all this, Dr Kosterich continues to see patients as a GP each week.