Author: Dani

**UPDATE 16th January 2025**

We are pleased to share that Western Sydney University’s EndoCann Clinical Trial is now recruiting participants from Queensland, Victoria, ACT, South Australia and Western Australia (not just from NSW as previously required). If you are interested in being part of this trial, please reach out to us hello@astrid.health or the EndoCann team endocanntrial@westernsydney.edu.au

Astrid has always been passionate about progressing the research into relief of chronic pain, and we help many patients who suffer from Endometriosis.

We are honoured to be working with Western Sydney University on two Endometriosis Clinical Trials. The EndoCann trials will explore two types of medicinal cannabis products on the symptoms of endometriosis.

If you are aged over 18 and have a diagnosis of endometriosis, you may be eligible to participate.

Spread the word and be part of a hopeful future with greater pain relief. 

What is a Clinical Trial?

A clinical trial tests new treatments to see if they’re safe and effective. The EndoCann trial is studying medicinal cannabis to manage endometriosis pain. 

What is medicinal cannabis?

Medicinal cannabis is the use of the cannabis plant or its extracts for medical purposes. It contains compounds called cannabinoids (CBD, THC)  that can help relieve symptoms like pain, inflammation and others. For women with endometriosis, medicinal cannabis may be a treatment option when traditional medications don’t provide enough relief from pain and other symptoms. 

Why You Should Join a Clinical Trial?

If you’re dealing with endometriosis pain, this trial might help you find relief. You’ll get to try new treatments that could ease your symptoms, with expert doctors supporting you along the way—completely free. While it may not work for everyone, it’s a step toward feeling better and improving your day-to-day life.

What’s involved?

You’ll start with an initial assessment, including a doctor’s visit, blood tests, and an ultrasound. 

Then, you’ll be placed in one of three groups—CBD-only oil, a balanced THC oil, or a placebo (no active ingredients). Over six months, you’ll track your symptoms using a smartphone app and have follow-ups like blood tests and optional ultrasounds.

Can anyone participate?

You must be 18 or older, live in or be able to travel to Sydney, and have a confirmed diagnosis of endometriosis from tests like laparoscopy, MRI, or ultrasound. You also shouldn’t have used cannabis in the last three months. For more details, check the eligibility requirements!

Where can I find more information?

You can learn more about the clinical trial here.

As of October 1, 2024, Australia has implemented significant changes to its vaping laws aimed at both protecting young Australians and the wider community from the risks associated with vaping, and making therapeutic nicotine vapes more accessible to adults. 

These reforms support individuals seeking to start their smoking cessation journey or manage nicotine dependence while ensuring that therapeutic vapes are available for those who need them in clinical situations.

These new regulations allow for the purchase of vapes with nicotine concentrations up to 20 mg/mL without a prescription for eligible adults over the age of 18. 

Why Astrid is offering a Smoking & Vaping Cessation Service

At Astrid, we believe holistic health is a journey and we are here to support you. Whether you’re looking to quit smoking or would like to explore alternative nicotine dependency pathways, we recognise every cessation journey is different.

Astrid’s friendly, highly-trained pharmacists will have a chat with you and determine your eligibility, if nicotine vapes (up to 20 mg/mL) are right for you, offer personalised advice, and support you on your path to smoking cessation. 

Keeping in mind, therapeutic vapes are one of many options, and whilst not necessarily a first line of treatment for smoking cessation, it is certainly one most often enquired about. 

To help you navigate the changing laws, we’re here to answer some of your frequently asked questions:

• What is the process for accessing over-the-counter nicotine vapes?
  1. Eligibility Screening: Your eligibility for nicotine vaping products is assessed with a 30-second questionnaire
  2. Pharmacist Consultation: If eligible, you can visit or call our pharmacists who will provide guidance on safe usage and offer support for your smoking cessation journey
  3. Products Dispensed: Once approved, the pharmacist will dispense the appropriate nicotine vaping products

• What are therapeutic vapes, and how are they used?
  • Therapeutic vapes are vaping products used to aid in smoking cessation or to manage nicotine dependence. From 1 October 2024, pharmacists will be able to supply these products without a prescription under specific conditions.

• Do I need a prescription to get a nicotine vape?
  • No, from 1 October 2024, patients aged 18 years or over will no longer need a prescription to access vapes with less than 20 mg/ml nicotine (if eligible).

• What do I need to provide to buy a therapeutic vape?
  • You will need to provide evidence of your age and identity, as nicotine vapes can only be supplied to people aged 18 years or older; you will need to meet eligibility criteria.

• Will the pharmacist give me advice on how to use a therapeutic vape?
  • Yes, pharmacists will provide advice. They will also inform you about alternative cessation therapies and smoking cessation support services.

• How much vape liquid can I buy?
  • Pharmacists can only supply up to 1 month’s supply of vaping liquid.

• What nicotine strength can I purchase without a prescription?
  • The nicotine concentration in therapeutic vapes must not exceed 20 mg/mL. If you require a higher concentration, a prescription from a doctor or nurse practitioner is required. See QuitRx website for more information.

• Can someone under 18 purchase a vape?
  • No, therapeutic vapes cannot be supplied to individuals under 18 years old, unless prescribed by a medical or nurse practitioner.

We know every cessation journey is different, and are proud to offer a supportive and informative service. If you have more questions, feel free to ask your pharmacist at Astrid Dispensary.

Get started on your smoking and vaping cessation journey today: https://astrid.clinic/smoking-cessation-services/ 

All information is accurate at the time of publication: 8th October 2024

Vapes have not been assessed for safety and efficacy and are considered unregistered goods by the TGA. Access more information from The Vaping Hub (TGA).

Can you share what a naturopath’s role looks like and how it contributes to our holistic approach?

A naturopath will ask in-depth questions about your body systems related to your health concerns, as well as investigate aspects of your life such as diet, exercise, hobbies, and family history. This comprehensive approach provides insight into the many factors that could be contributing to your state of health, allowing us to address the root causes of issues. Our treatments include food as medicine, herbal medicine, nutritional supplementation, and lifestyle advice.

What do you think people need to know about naturopathy and its role in holistic health?

It is definitely important that people know that although Naturopathy is a form of natural medicine, it doesn’t mean that treatments we use aren’t evidence based. Australian Naturopaths are regulated by a governing body such as Naturopaths & Herbalists Association of Australia (NHAA), and they hold Bachelor’s in Health Science majoring in Naturopathy.

Naturopathy plays a significant role in holistic health and upholds six core principles:

• First Do No Harm
• The Healing Power of Nature
• Identify and Treat the Causes
• Doctor as Teacher
• Treat the Whole Person
• Prevention

How do you navigate any stigma or challenges associated with naturopathy in the broader healthcare industry?

As mentioned previously, Australian Naturopaths hold Bachelor’s in Health Science and are heavily regulated. Ensuring people know this definitely helps to reduce some of the stigma associated with Naturopathy and natural medicine. I feel that it is also so important to continue to educate patients on natural medicine and to just keep advocating! I think it is only uphill from here.

How do you stay up to date with the latest industry updates, research, and developments in natural medicine/therapy?

I stay current by attending annual symposiums and regularly participating in webinars hosted by other practitioners or naturopathic associations. I also read journal articles and enjoy discussing new research with colleagues from my university studies.

What do you hope for the future of natural therapy?

I hope that in the future natural medicine starts to get more recognition for it is – effective! I really hope for more clinical trials and other quality research to prove the efficiency herbal medicine has on treating various conditions and the quality of life it can provide to patients.

If you work directly with patients, can you share a story of how natural medicine has positively impacted someone’s life?

I have seen natural medicine positively impact so many people’s lives. The first that comes to mind are my Endometriosis patients. Various natural treatments have been widely studied regarding their anti-inflammatory, neuroprotective and hepatoprotective capabilities for Endometriosis. Through using the natural approach, I have seen a great deal of positive changes with the patients mental health, as well as a reduction in their pain and inflammation. I have also seen positive changes with their liver function – the liver is a key part of treating Endometriosis as we need the liver to be functioning optimally so oestrogen is not being poorly metabolised and being reabsorbed in the body, as this can lead to an increase in endometriosis flare up due to it being an oestrogen dominant condition.

We’re proud to have such a dedicated naturopath on our team, whose commitment to evidence-based practices and patient empowerment aligns perfectly with our holistic vision. Her passion for natural medicine and her proactive approach to health are valuable assets to Astrid, and we look forward to the positive impact she will continue to make on our patients’ lives.

Book a naturopathy appointment with Georgina here.