Releaf set to open patient-centric medicinal cannabis clinic in West End.
Releaf, Australia’s pioneering dedicated clinic and dispensary group, has marked a significant milestone in its mission to provide alternative healthcare options. Having opened a registered pharmacy earlier this year in Boundary Street, the company is now set to expand its services by introducing a new clinic in West End, staffed by practitioners capable of prescribing medicinal cannabis.
Founder Gary Mackenzie, a cancer survivor whose journey led him to explore the benefits of medicinal cannabis, said the motivation behind establishing Releaf stems from his personal experience battling kidney cancer seven years ago.
“I had kidney cancer seven years ago. I can only speak from my own personal experience, but I am recovering from cancer, and I didn’t have any chemo or radiotherapy. That’s how I first got introduced to medicinal cannabis: It replaced the opiates I was using at the time.”
With an emphasis on the safety and effectiveness of medicinal cannabis, Mackenzie highlighted its potential as an alternative to conventional Western medications and said it is primarily prescribed in Australia for pain, sleep, and anxiety issues.
“Cannabis is a lot safer because you can’t overdose on it as you can with opioids,” he said.
Interestingly, people over the age of fifty, many of whom have never used cannabis recreationally, are a significant demographic engaging with medicinal cannabis. These patients turn to medicinal cannabis to address conditions such as arthritis, chronic pain, stress, and anxiety.
However, despite the evident benefits, Mackenzie acknowledged the persisting stigma surrounding the industry due to historical misconceptions and media influence. He noted the ongoing educational gap within the medical community, saying that limited knowledge among doctors often restricts the prescription of medicinal cannabis.
The Releaf founder stressed the need for an educational revolution within the medical profession to alleviate stigma and encourage a more informed approach to prescribing medicinal cannabis.
“There’s a big education piece that needs to happen in the medical industry. Medical professionals need to be brought up to speed with the benefits of the plant,” Mackenzie said.
