Medicinal cannabis is legal in Tasmania (TAS) when used in medical and research contexts. The Australian Government legalised it nationwide through federal legislation in 2016. Patients and suppliers may access medicinal cannabis products according to state and federal regulations. Specific licences and approvals are necessary for activities related to the cultivation, import, production and manufacturing of these products.
You need to have a prescription to acquire medicinal cannabis in Tasmania. A medical practitioner may prescribe it to a patient when they think it would benefit them. They must explain the potential risks and benefits to their patient. Prescriptions outline specific products and dosages that a patient may access.
Doctors are able to prescribe medicinal cannabis products in Tasmania. Due to medical cannabis products holding “unapproved therapeutic good” status, doctors may need Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) approval to prescribe these products. Doctors using the Special Access Scheme (SAS) pathway must get approval for each individual patient’s prescription. Medical professionals who are authorised prescribers may prescribe medicinal cannabis to a whole class of patients under their care. They do not require approval for individual patient prescriptions.
Businesses that have acquired the relevant licences may supply medicinal cannabis products in Tasmania. These vary depending on the activities in question. To engage in import and manufacture activities, businesses must acquire a national-level licence from the Office of Drug Control (ODC). Businesses engaging in manufacturing and packing activities are additionally required to uphold the Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) standards set by the TGA.
Someone is eligible for medicinal cannabis in Tasmania if their doctor determines they would benefit from it. This occurs on a case-by-case basis based on a patient’s individual circumstances. The TGA does not provide a specific list of conditions that make someone eligible for medicinal cannabis treatment.
You can buy medicinal cannabis in Tasmania from a pharmacy if you have a prescription from your doctor. Medicinal cannabis products are scheduled medicines, meaning there are specific guidelines for pharmacies that handle them. They must adhere to the standards set by the Commonwealth and the Pharmacy Board of Australia in addition to any applicable State medicine legislation.
The amount of medicinal cannabis you can possess in Tasmania is defined in your prescription. Your prescription allocates a specific product and dosage to you. This product must remain in its original packaging and retain its pharmacy labelling.
You may not legally drive while undergoing THC-based medicinal cannabis treatment in Tasmania. Tetrahydrocannabinol is a substance commonly found in medicinal cannabis products. It may not legally be in your system while driving due to its potential to cause cognitive impairment.Cannabidiol (CBD) is another common substance in medicinal cannabis products. CBD is legally allowed to be in your system while you drive. However, CBD-dominant products may contain traces of THC.CBD-isolate products have the lowest chance of containing THC. These may be suitable for patients who need to drive regularly. Consult your doctor and read your label for clarification.
You could be fired as a result of using medicinal cannabis in Tasmania. This will likely occur if you are flagged for a banned substance in a drug test. Companies have their own drug policies that outline which substances are banned. THC is a commonly-banned substance that is present in many medicinal cannabis products. Your medicinal cannabis treatment may cause you to have a positive drug test and be fired. Make sure to discuss drug policies with your workplace before commencing medicinal cannabis treatment.
You may travel domestically to TAS with prescription medicinal cannabis. The medicinal cannabis products must retain both their original packaging and original pharmacy labelling. You must always have your prescription with you when travelling.
Some private health insurers may cover the cost of medicinal cannabis in Tasmania. Medicinal cannabis products are ineligible for public health cover like Medicare and the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS). However, Private health insurers may cover medicinal cannabis costs under optional extras. Make sure to clarify the policies of your chosen insurance provider.
Government of Tasmania
