How to Access Medical Cannabis in Australia: A Step-by-Step Guide
Cannabis has been used for medicinal purposes for thousands of years, but in recent years, the plant has been stigmatized and prohibited in many places. However, times are changing, and thanks to a growing body of in-depth studies, cannabis is once again getting renewed attention for its therapeutic potential. This has led many countries, including Australia, to reverse earlier prohibitions.
What is Medical Cannabis?
Medical cannabis is a type of cannabis that is used for its therapeutic properties. The plant's therapeutic properties come from the hundreds of different phytochemicals the plant naturally produces, including the two most prominent types: cannabinoids and terpenes. Historically, people have used cannabis to treat a wide variety of ailments.
What is the Legal Status of Medical Cannabis in Australia?
As of 2016, Australia legalized medical cannabis through the Special Access Scheme (SAS) program managed under the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA). Under the SAS, medical cannabis is available to patients with a valid prescription from an authorized doctor.
What are the Eligibility Requirements?
The TGA requires medical cannabis patients to meet a list of specific criteria before approving a medical cannabis prescription. This includes having a chronic medical condition that has been present for at least six months, and having tried other treatments without success. During a consultation, the Patient Care Team will ask you about your chronic medical condition and other treatments you have tried.
What Conditions Qualify for Treatment with Medical Cannabis?
There is no defined list of conditions that qualify patients for treatment with medical cannabis in Australia. However, according to the latest reporting from the TGA, the top chronic conditions approved for treatment with medical marijuana are: chronic pain, anxiety, and sleep disorders.
How to Access Medical Cannabis in Australia?
The process of accessing medical cannabis in Australia can seem daunting at first, but it is relatively straightforward. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to access medical cannabis in Australia:
Step 1: Find an Authorized Doctor
The first step in accessing medical cannabis in Australia is to find an authorized doctor. We recommend using the Cannabis Dispensary search tool to find what you are looking for.
Step 2: Schedule a Consultation
Once you have found an authorized doctor, schedule a consultation. During the consultation, the doctor will evaluate your medical history and determine if medical cannabis is the right fit for your condition and lifestyle.
Step 3: Obtain a Prescription
If the doctor determines that medical cannabis is the right fit for you, they will issue a prescription. The prescription will include the type and dosage of cannabis that is appropriate for your condition.
Step 4: Fill the Prescription
The final step is to fill the prescription. This can be done at a pharmacy, just like any other medication or get the product delivered directly to your home.
Accessing medical cannabis in Australia can seem daunting at first, but with the help of an authorized doctor and a valid prescription, patients can legally access medical cannabis to treat a wide variety of conditions. If you have questions about accessing medical cannabis feel free to contact us and we will do our best to assist you.