Cannabis and Neurodivergence: Dr. Lachlan Fieldhouse’s Approach to Personalised Medicine
Article Interview from Dr. Lachlan Fieldhouse
Read time: 3-5 mins
Dr Lachlan Fieldhouse is a practising Gold Coast GP, with a special interest in Autism Spectrum Disorder, ADHD, mental health and pursuing healthy outcomes for people with chronic pain issues. Through these interests, he has become an advocate for cannabis therapy.
The Insider’s Extract’s Adam Miller recently interviewed Dr. Fieldhouse who shared his experiences of prescribing cannabis to people to individuals with chronic pain and to neurodivergent patients, offering a nuanced perspective on both areas of care.
From Opioids to Cannabis: A Journey in Patient-Centered Care
Dr. Fieldhouse’s experiences with medical cannabis began in Tasmania, where he faced waves of chronic pain patients during the pandemic. Many had been on long-term opioids. “The clinic next door closed, and suddenly I had all these patients, many in their 70s and 80s, reliant on opioids. I thought, There must be a better way,” he said.
Driven by his ethical commitment to patient outcomes, he began educating himself on the evidence base for medicinal cannabis and liaising with local companies to see how this therapy could support opioid-dependent patients. After “Seeing patients come off decades-long opioid regimens with cannabis was eye-opening. It planted the seed for exploring how cannabis could address other unmet needs. He went on to say, “I’m never going to profit here from this stuff. I need to do what’s best for patients.”
Cannabis for Neurodivergence: A Tailored Approach
Dr. Fieldhouse’s inquiry into medical cannabis converged with his own experiences as he began to explore the potential of cannabis in the context of neurodivergence. Diagnosed with ADHD in his youth, he found parallels between his own experiences and those of his patients with ASD and ADHD. “These individuals often face significant challenges,” he noted, “like heightened anxiety, difficulty sleeping, and getting stuck on thought trains.” This lens fueled his passion for tailoring cannabis therapies to address these unique needs.
“They can feel socially anxious, overanalyse situations, or get stuck on thought trains,” Dr. Fieldhouse explained. “We also see something called rejection-sensitive dysphoria, where they hold onto negative feelings of rejection for far too long.”
For these patients, there is no one-size-fits-all approach. Dr. Fieldhouse typically prescribes balanced hybrid oils, which combine CBD and THC in a 50/50 or 60/40 ratio.
“We start with oil-based therapies because they provide a steady, manageable effect. A balanced hybrid ensures patients don’t get overly anxious from too much sativa or overly sedated from indica-characterised strains,” he said. “For daytime relief, a little beta-caryophyllene works wonders for anxiety, while myrcene is excellent for nighttime use.”
Inhalation therapies are also part of his toolkit. “Sometimes patients need something quick for social situations—maybe catching a bus or shopping. Inhalational therapy provides immediate relief without disrupting their day.”
Breaking Stigma and Expanding Understanding
Despite ever-increasing numbers of Australia’s have been prescribed medical cannabis, the stigma surrounding cannabis as a medical treatment still abounds. This is particularly evident for neurodivergent adults, many of whom have turned to illicit cannabis for self-medication.
“People come to me saying, ‘I’ve been using it for years, but I want consistency, legality, and medical guidance,’” he said. Dr. Fieldhouse’s practice offers more than prescriptions for these patients - it can provide validation.
“I often hear, ‘No one has ever picked this up before.’ It’s incredibly rewarding to help these patients feel seen and supported,” he said.
He also noted the parallels between ADHD and ASD that support his broad use of the term neurodivergence. “Both conditions involve challenges in social and communicative functioning. The overlap is significant, and cannabis can address common issues like hyperactivity, anxiety, and emotional regulation,” he explained.
Challenges in the Australian Landscape
Prescribing cannabis in Australia comes with regulatory and societal barriers for patients. Driving laws are one of the biggest challenges. “If patients take THC, they’ll likely test positive, even if they’re not impaired. It’s a tragedy. Many must choose between effective treatment and their ability to drive,” he said.
Moreover, the rise of online telehealth cannabis clinics concerns him. “Some clinics offer three-minute consultations and hand out 10 grams with six repeats. There’s no education, no follow-up. That’s not the medicine I support,” he emphasised.
Instead, Dr. Fieldhouse advocates for a holistic approach. “Cannabis prescribing isn’t just about symptom management; it’s about restoring a patient’s quality of life,” he said.
Life-Changing Outcomes
The potential of cannabis therapy is perhaps best illustrated by the experiences of his patients.
“This gentleman was drinking a six-pack before breakfast. His life revolved around alcohol and Netflix. After starting on a Sativa-based therapy, he quit drinking entirely. His liver function improved, and he reconnected with life—fishing, working, and enjoying his family,” he said.
Another example comes from his work with children. “I’ve treated kids with severe autism who couldn’t sleep or calm down. Low-dose CBD has been a game-changer for them and their families. Seeing a child sleep through the night for the first time in years is incredible,” he said.
A Holistic Vision for Neurodivergent Healthcare
Dr. Fieldhouse believes the future of cannabis lies in its versatility and personalisation. “Cannabis therapy allows us to customise treatment for each individual. With neurodivergent patients, it’s not just about managing symptoms; it’s about helping them thrive,” he said.
He also emphasises the importance of education for both patients and prescribers. “Cannabis is a powerful tool, but it needs to be used responsibly. That means understanding terpenes, dosing, and the patient’s broader health picture,” he said.
Conclusion
For neurodivergent patients in Australia, cannabis offers a promising avenue for improved mental health, emotional regulation, and overall well-being. Through his patient-centered approach, Dr. Lachlan Fieldhouse’s message is clear: “This is some of the most enjoyable medicine because the outcomes speak for themselves. Patients feel better, engage with their lives, and rediscover joy. That’s why I do what I do.”
Dr. Lachlan Fieldhouse is a dedicated General Practitioner at Medical on Miami in Queensland, Australia, bringing nearly two decades of diverse medical experience to his practice. With a comprehensive background that includes leading health services in prisons, offshore detention centres, high schools, and aged care facilities across five territories in different countries, Dr. Fieldhouse has developed particular expertise in mental health, complex co-morbidity, ADHD, chronic pain, ASD, childhood development, and Gender Affirmation healthcare. As a Fellow of both the Royal Australian and New Zealand Colleges of General Practitioners, he combines his clinical work with educational leadership, serving as a GP Registrar and Medical Student supervisor while maintaining a passionate commitment to improving community health outcomes through personalised healthcare delivery and clinical leadership in primary care.
Disclaimer: This information is shared with a global readership for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical or business advice. All patient-related information has been de-identified OR fictional to protect privacy. Nothing in this article is intended to promote the use or supply of medical cannabis to members of the public.
