Accessing Medical Cannabis
How could you access medical cannabis?
Read on to learn possible ways to navigate the three medical cannabis pathways in Australia safely.
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General Practitioners (GPs)
Doctors, specialists, and some nurse practitioners can request permission to prescribe medical cannabis to eligible patients via a Special Access Scheme (SAS). They’ll assess eligibility, monitor treatment effectiveness and manage potential side effects.
Authorised Prescriber (APs)
An Authorised Prescriber (AP) is a specially licensed doctor who has applied to the TGA for authorisation to prescribe cannabis products for a specific condition or class of conditions. Simply put, they have approval to prescribe medical cannabis to eligible patients who meet certain criteria. This streamlines the process and makes it easier for patients who require medical cannabis to access it quickly and easily through their AP.
Possible steps to access medical cannabis in Australia
After starting a conversation with a licensed GP or nurse practitioner (NP), they’ll get to know you, your medical history and whether you’re eligible for medical cannabis treatment.
If deemed eligible, they’ll prescribe your specific medical cannabis product, including the type, form and dosage. From here, visit a licensed pharmacy or approved cannabis supplier to obtain your prescription product.
Not all pharmacies stock cannabis products, so keep in mind that you may need to shop online. And not all medical cannabis products are covered by the Australian Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS), so be prepared to pay the total cost out of pocket.
Step 1: Consult a GP
Book an appointment with a licensed medical practitioner to discuss whether medical cannabis is suitable for your medical condition and whether alternative treatment options have been exhausted.
Step 2: Obtain a prescription
If your medical practitioner determines medical cannabis to be a suitable treatment option, they will provide you with a prescription for a specific product.
Step 3: Fulfil your prescription
Take your prescription to a licensed pharmacy or approved supplier to obtain your medical cannabis product. Keep in mind that you may need to shop online.
Step 4: Follow medical guidance
Follow the dosage and usage instructions provided by your medical practitioner to ensure the safe and effective use of the cannabis product you’ve been prescribed.
Potential side effects of medical cannabis
While medical cannabis is generally considered safe, there are some potential side effects to be aware of. Common side effects may include dry mouth, dizziness, fatigue, impaired memory and concentration, and changes in appetite or mood. Other less common side effects include paranoia, anxiety, hallucinations, and psychosis.
The long-term effects of medical cannabis use are still being studied and are not yet fully understood. It’s important to discuss potential side effects with a healthcare provider and to use medical cannabis under the guidance of a qualified healthcare professional.
Legal information
In Australia, cannabis products are strictly regulated, and it’s illegal to grow or produce your own cannabis for medical use. Patients who obtain or use medical cannabis without a valid prescription from a registered medical practitioner may face legal consequences. So, it’s essential to follow the proper pathways and obtain medical cannabis legally and responsibly.
Clinical trials
Clinical trials involve testing medication on a group of people to determine its effectiveness, potential side effects and dosing requirements. In Australia, clinical trials for medical cannabis are conducted under strict regulations set by the TGA to ensure they are ethical, safe, and scientifically valid. Successful clinical trial completion can lead to the registration and approval of medical cannabis products for use in Australia.
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