You may access medicinal cannabis in Australia if your doctor provides you with a prescription for it. Medicinal cannabis products are classified as ‘unregistered medicines’, so special pathways are necessary for doctors to prescribe these products.The Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) is the regulatory body for medicinal cannabis prescriptions. Their two most common prescription pathways are the Special Access Scheme (SAS) and the Authorised Prescriber (AP) scheme. When using the SAS, doctors must obtain approval for each patient's prescription individually. Doctors who become authorised prescribers may prescribe medicinal cannabis products to a range of patients out of their care, without individual approval submissions.
The exact method for acquiring a medicinal cannabis prescription varies based on where you live. Typically, the approval process requires your doctor to get a prescription approved through their chosen pathway. In certain states, there are additional authorities involved in the approval process. For information about medicinal cannabis prescriptions in your state or territory, check out our regional FAQs.
During a medicinal cannabis consultation, your doctor will speak to you about medicinal cannabis as a potential treatment route. They will explain the history of medicinal cannabis, the potential benefits and side effects, and what the treatment plan might look like. This way, you can make an informed decision about whether it’s right for you.
After you speak with your doctor about medicinal cannabis treatment, there are two primary outcomes. If you and your doctor have determined that medicinal cannabis is not the correct approach, you will need to figure out alternative treatment options. Whereas if you do decide to undergo medicinal cannabis treatment, your doctor may begin the process of getting your prescription approved.
If your doctor does not wish to prescribe medicinal cannabis to you, that is within their rights as a medical professional. They may believe that it is not the best available treatment option for you. If you still want to explore medicinal cannabis treatment, you are able to ask for a referral from a specialist to continue your assessment. Alternatively, you may seek a secondary assessment from another general practitioner (GP).
Yes, you can be prescribed medicinal cannabis products that do not contain THC (delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol). THC is a common component in many medicinal cannabis products. It has the potential to cause an intoxicative effect, so it is illegal to conduct certain activities like driving or operating heavy machinery with any THC in your system. Because of this, some people prefer to opt for CBD (cannabidiol)-dominant cannabis products. However, it is worth noting that many CBD-based products still contain THC in small amounts. CBD-isolate products have the lowest chance of containing traces of THC. Consult your doctor for a more detailed explanation of this.
Medicinal cannabis products are generally not registered medicines in Australia. However, unregistered goods can still be sourced for prescriptions if your doctor gets TGA approval for them. This is done through either the SAS or Authorised Prescriber pathways.
Medicinal cannabis treatments may be covered by certain private insurers in Australia. Due to medicinal cannabis products being considered unapproved medicines, they are not covered under public health insurance policies such as Medicare and the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS). However, some private insurers cover medicinal cannabis treatments. Although, they are unlikely to cover the full cost.The amount covered will vary depending on the specific insurance policy. Make sure you get all the necessary information from your insurance provider.
Medicinal cannabis products are held to a range of quality control standards in Australia. Companies who wish to cultivate, manufacture or import medicinal cannabis products require a licence from the Office of Drug Control (ODC). All products, regardless of whether they are manufactured in Australia or overseas, must be produced under GMP (Good Manufacturing Practices). Additional requirements may be necessary, but these vary by state. Check out one of our regional FAQs for information about medicinal cannabis standards in different states.
The exact cost of medicinal cannabis in Australia depends on the patient, the product being prescribed and their insurance policy. Patients on treatment plans involving higher dosages will need to purchase their products more frequently or in higher amounts. Additionally, different brands and product types can vary significantly in price.The average monthly cost for a medicinal cannabis patient in Australia is $359, based on a 2021 report by Freshleaf Analytics. However, the exact price can vary significantly depending on an individual's treatment plan.Insurance policies can reduce medicinal cannabis treatment costs significantly. While medicinal cannabis products are not eligible for public health coverage such as Medicare or the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS), they may be covered by some private insurers. Depending on the policy, this could significantly offset the medicinal cannabis costs for a patient.
There are various methods for consuming or administering medicinal cannabis products. The ideal method depends on the individual and the symptoms being treated. Administration methods are primarily divided between topical, inhalable and ingestible methods. Topical methods, such as balms or creams, are absorbed through the skin. Inhalable methods primarily refer to the vapourisation of medicinal cannabis, which is absorbed through the lungs. Ingestible methods, such as oil and capsules, are consumed orally and are absorbed either sublingually or through the digestive system.Read our article on medicinal cannabis formats to learn about different administration methods.
The amount of cannabis oil or flower you should take is determined by your prescriber. Prescribers decide on an appropriate amount based on the patient and medicine in question. Some patients have stronger reactions to medicinal cannabis products and require smaller doses. Other patients do not react strongly and need to gradually increase their dosage.The product itself also affects how much you should take. Smaller doses may be appropriate for medicinal cannabis products with a higher concentration of cannabinoids. Additionally, the format of the product is an important consideration. For example, the assigned dosage for a medicinal cannabis balm will not be comparable to that of a medicinal cannabis capsule.
You dose medicinal cannabis by initially taking a certain amount of your prescribed medicinal cannabis product. Then you work with your doctor to gradually adjust the amount until you notice the greatest benefit. Your healthcare professional will assign an initial dosage when they first prescribe a medicinal cannabis product. This often needs adjustment due to the difference in products and the difference in individual responses to the medicines. Products in different formats and with different concentrations require unique adjustments. Additionally, certain patients will be more or less responsive to medicinal cannabis treatment and need to adjust their dosage and treatment plan accordingly. Regular correspondence with your prescriber will guide you through this process.To learn more, check out our article on dosing medicinal cannabis flower products.
The best way to determine whether medicinal cannabis will work for you is by discussing it with your doctor. Medicinal cannabis treatment is more effective for certain individuals than others. Seeing how you respond to the treatment is the best way to determine your suitability. You should work with your doctor to figure out a treatment plan and monitor your progress in a safe way.
You will know if medicinal cannabis is working for you after using it for a few weeks and seeing an improvement in your symptoms. The amount of time this takes varies depending on your condition and the product you are using. Your prescriber will monitor the effectiveness of your treatment and determine if it is worth continuing.
Medicinal cannabis should not be used if your doctor determines that it would present risks for you. They may decide this based on your medical history, pre-existing conditions or your previous experience with this treatment type. Your doctor will also outline potential risks before you begin the treatment.
Medicinal cannabis has the potential to cause unwanted side effects in some individuals. This varies from person to person but is important to be aware of.Some of the more common mild side-effects of medicinal cannabis include- Drowsiness- Anxiety- Difficulty breathing- Increased heart rate or palpitations- Nausea- Dry mouth- Blurred vision- Coughing or phlegm- Euphoria or other cognitive effects- Occasional or brief paranoid thoughtsSome of the rare but more dangerous side-effects of medicinal cannabis include- Hallucinations (auditory/visual)- Paranoia- Difficulty breathing- Seizures or convulsions- Depression or suicidal thoughts- Fainting, lightheadedness and dizziness associated with low blood-pressure
If you experience intense side effects or more common side effects for an extended time period, you should stop taking medicinal cannabis products immediately and seek medical attention. Contact your prescriber or GP and follow their medical advice.
For more information about medicinal cannabis in Australia, check out the relevant authorities. Both the TGA and ODC provide a lot of helpful information. You are also welcome to contact us if you want more specific information.
Australian Government Department of Health, Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA)
