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WHAT IS MEDICAL CANNABIS?
Medicinal cannabis products generally contain one or a combination of two ingredients from the Cannabis sativa plant, cannabidiol (CBD) and tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). Evidence suggests that when used in conjunction with other treatments medicinal cannabis may benefit some patients with specific conditions. E.G epilepsy, multiple sclerosis (MS).
ACCESS TO MEDICINAL CANNABIS
Medicinal cannabis can only be prescribed by a registered medical practitioner. Before prescribing medicinal cannabis, the doctor will assess each patient to decide if the treatment is appropriate for their condition and individual circumstances.
The doctor will take a medical history and a family health history. The doctor will also consider the patient's current medications and any problems with drug dependence and substance abuse.
With the exception of one product (nabiximols), medicinal cannabis products are not registered medicines in Australia, so they must be accessed through special pathways available for unapproved medicines.
MEDICINAL CANNABIS IN AUSTRALIA
Legislation to enable the cultivation of cannabis for medicinal and related research purposes in Australia was passed by Parliament on 29 February 2016. The amendments relating to licensing came into effect on 30 October 2016. A detailed regulatory framework has been put in place to enable applications for licences and permits for the cultivation, production and manufacture of medicinal cannabis products.
CAN I ACCESS MEDICINAL CANNABIS MYSELF?
Individual consumers cannot apply to TGA to obtain approval to access unapproved medicinal cannabis products. Such access can only be arranged through an Australian-registered medical practitioner with appropriate qualifications and/or expertise for the medical condition requiring treatment.
This doctor can notify/apply on the patient's behalf for approval to import and supply these products through the Special Access Scheme (SAS Category A or B). Alternatively, the doctor can apply to us to become an Authorised Prescriber (AP). Approval or authorisation is granted on a case-by-case basis.