June 30th, 2020
Trying to understand everything you have been told ? Let us help!
The industry is rapidly growing , however, finding the information you need can be a difficult task!
Let's start by firstly reiterating the difference between medicinal cannabis and recreational use of the same drug.
Medicinal cannabis is a highly regulated industry, with extremely high standards within Australia. As the industry continues to explode and more Australian grow facilities become established there will be a constant level of quality throughout the country. It also allows manufacturers to control the cannabinoids, allowing more specific treatment for each condition and most importantly it allows doctors and patients to monitor dosage rates suitable to you as an individual. Since 2016 It is also LEGAL within Australia!
Recreational use of the cannabis plant is still ILLEGAL within Australia and it offers no control over what you are consuming or the quantity or quality of the product. It also has a very different effect on the person than that of medicinal cannabis products, where the ‘high’ is controlled to certain products. Recreational use also involves actually dealing with drug dealers instead of trained, educated professionals. The way to consume it ? only smoking it … which also leads to many other health concerns associated with smoking.
Let's break it down…..
There are many different types of products available, some more suited to different illnesses than others. The way this is determined is a complicated web of experts through clinical trials. Each participant of the trials is to use medicinal cannabis that is approved by Therapeutic Goods Australia (TGA), and the Human Research Ethics Committee (HREC) to ensure rights and safety of the participants.
Types of products that are currently used within Australia: There are tinctures which are plant material infused in oil or alcohol. Vapour which is dried plant material or concentrated extracts which are heated in approved vaporizers. They can come in capsules, sprays or liquid which are generally the oil-based products taken orally and then there are the pharmaceutical products such as Nabiximols.
For each type of product there can be multiple options depending on the active cannabinoid within them, these cannabinoids are the specific ingredient that is extracted from the plant to provide health benefits. The two most commonly heard ones are CBD and THC. ( For further reading, we have an article on the difference between the two on our website) By being able to isolate and extract cannabinoids it gives greater control to the product being prescribed for certain health ailments.
Your doctor will know which will be the best to try and work with you to find the correct dosage and amounts for you as an individual.
Alright now we know what it is, how do you access it?
Firstly this needs to be discussed with your general practitioner (GP) to discuss if this is a viable option for you to try, to discuss eligibility and side effects of changing or adding additional medication to your routine. Medicinal cannabis is a controlled substance so there are a few processes to go through before being granted access to the medicine.
The Commonwealth Department of Health and state and territory governments have collaborated to create guidelines and recommendations for prescribing doctors. These guidelines are based on work from the University of New South Wales, Sydney and Queensland under the coordination of the National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre who have had all clinical evidence into the use of medicinal cannabis reviewed and compiled.
General practitioners (GP) who wish to prescribe this substance first need to apply to become an authorised prescriber of medicinal cannabis through The Commonwealth Department of Health. The industry is constantly learning and adjusting the process to make it more accessible whilst still being a controlled substance. Generally you will need to apply for approval to be able to use most cannabis products if you are eligible. It is not hard and can normally be granted quite quickly.
Working with your approved prescriber they will understand the steps to be taken and will help you to navigate your way through the process of applying for the Special Access Scheme. Once approved they will also need to arrange for a pharmacy to dispense it for you.
The price is not covered under any subsidies and pricing varies depending on where the product has come from and if there are import taxes included on it or not. As the industry grows the prices will also begin to drop as the products will be more accessible and readily available within Australia.
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