Medicinal cannabis is legal in Queensland (QLD) for medical purposes or scientific research. The Australian government passed federal legislation in 2016 that legalised medicinal cannabis products nationwide. This was part of a national licensing scheme that allowed regulated access to these products. The licensing and permit scheme allowed for the cultivation, importation, manufacturing and production of cannabis plants and cannabis products under strict regulation.
You need a prescription to access medicinal cannabis products in Queensland. Doctors may prescribe medicinal cannabis to patients when they believe it will help their treatment. A prescription outlines the specific products and dosages appropriate for each patient.
Any licensed doctor may prescribe medicinal cannabis to a patient in QLD. Medicinal cannabis products are considered “unapproved”. This means doctors must acquire Therapeutic Goods Administration’s (TGA) approval to prescribe these products. Doctors using the Special Access Scheme (SAS) pathway must supply clinical evidence and rationale for choosing specific products to treat a patient’s condition or symptoms. If a patient’s medical history includes drug dependency, a specialist must be the one to provide them with a prescription. Doctors who become authorised prescribers may prescribe medicinal cannabis products to a class of patients under their care. They do not require TGA approval for individual patients.
Businesses that have acquired the relevant licences may supply medicinal cannabis in Queensland. A licence from the Office of Drug Control (ODC) allows businesses to engage in the cultivation, importation, production and research of medicinal cannabis for scientific or medical purposes. For manufacturing and packaging medicinal cannabis products, companies must also conform to the Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) requirements set by the TGA. To engage in wholesale or indent supply of medicinal cannabis, businesses must acquire a state-level wholesaling licence.
To be eligible for medicinal cannabis treatment in Queensland, your doctor must conclude that the product benefits your medical treatment. There is no specific list of eligible conditions provided by regulatory bodies such as the TGA. Doctors must determine the suitability of medicinal cannabis treatment for each patient on a case-by-case basis. After doing so, they may acquire these products via the authorised prescriber or SAS pathways.
You can purchase medicinal cannabis in Queensland from any pharmacy with a valid prescription. Pharmacies must source medicinal cannabis products from licensed suppliers. When handling Schedule 4 or Schedule 8 medicines like medicinal cannabis, pharmacies must comply with the standards set by the TGA, the Pharmacy Board of Australia and the Medicines and Poisons Regulation 2021.
In QLD, you can possess the amount of medicinal cannabis listed in your prescription. This varies depending on the product and your treatment plan. Any medicinal cannabis products in your possession must remain in their original packaging and retain their original prescription labelling.
You can not drive while undergoing THC-based medicinal cannabis treatment in QLD. Driving with any Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) in your system is a criminal offence, even from a prescribed source. Some medicinal cannabis products primarily contain cannabidiol (CBD), which may legally be in your system while you drive. However, CBD-based products may contain traces of THC. Patients who must drive frequently are encouraged to use CBD isolate products with the lowest chance of containing THC. We recommend patients refer to label information or speak with their prescribing doctor to understand these risks better.
Certain workplaces in QLD may fire you for using medicinal cannabis products. Many employers list THC (commonly found in medicinal cannabis products) as a banned substance in their drug policies. You may be fired if you test positive for THC, despite it coming from a prescribed source. Make sure to clarify your workplace’s drug policy before commencing medicinal cannabis treatment.
You can travel domestically to Queensland with medicinal cannabis, but only if a doctor prescribes it. The products must remain in their original packaging and retain their original labelling. You must carry your prescription with you at all times.
Some health insurance policies may cover the costs of medicinal cannabis products in QLD. Medicinal cannabis products are considered unapproved products, making them ineligible for public health insurance such as the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) and Medicare. Certain private health insurance policies cover some or all of the costs of medicinal cannabis. Make sure to clarify this with your chosen insurance provider.
Queensland Health
Queensland Government
Health Direct
Australian Government Department of Health
Australian Government Department of Health and Aged Care
