PATIENT INFORMATION

Over the past few years, Australians have expressed growing interest in the use of cannabis for medicinal purposes. The Commonwealth and State and Territory governments have either used their current laws or passed specific laws to allow the prescribing and dispensing of medicinal cannabis products. The Commonwealth, and in some cases, State and Territory governments, have also passed laws allowing cannabis cultivation and manufacture for medicinal purposes.

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However the pathways to gain access are different from usual prescription medications. Because of this, a doctor can prescribe medicinal cannabis but they need approval first to do so.

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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.

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