Bradley v Allianz Australia Insurance Ltd

Bradley sought compensation from Allianz for injuries sustained in a motor vehicle accident. The primary issue was whether the cost of referral to a Cannabis clinic and for medical cannabis treatment was reasonable and necessary. The court examined the expert statements provided by the Faculty of Pain Medicine and the clinical memorandum of the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists, which did not support the use of medical cannabis except for terminally ill patients or within a clinical trial. The court considered the lack of evidence regarding the effectiveness of medical cannabis in reducing pain, alongside its potential adverse effects, such as habituation, addiction, sedation, and dizziness. Additionally, the court noted the risk of increased use of other cannabis products, leading to more severe adverse events like psychotic symptoms and cognitive impairment.

The court concluded that the proposed treatment was not reasonable and necessary. The original medical assessment was confirmed, and the expert opinions did not support the use of medical cannabis for the claimant's conditions. The claimant's application for the cost of medical cannabis treatment was dismissed.

The court made an order that Bradley take no costs of Allianz.